HYMN OF THE MONTH:
ALL PEOPLE THAT ON EARTH DO DWELL
by William Kethe (16th Century)
PART FIVE: ENGLISH HYMNS
Paraphrased Praise
The hymn "All People That on Earth Do Dwell" is the oldest continuously sung hymn in North America. It first appeared in the Geneva Psalter during the Protestant Reformation.
During that time, Martin Luther and John Calvin had different views on worship music. Luther encouraged hymn writing, while Calvin emphasized lyrics closely tied to Scripture.
Many early Protestants in Europe relied on the Geneva Psalter for their worship, which had a significant impact that spanned continents and centuries.
The author of the hymn, William Kethe, was among the Marian exiles who fled England during the rule of Queen Mary, known as "Bloody Mary."
Kethe initially sought refuge in Frankfurt, Germany, and later traveled to Geneva, influenced by Scottish theologian John Knox and the teachings of John Calvin.
In Geneva, Kethe contributed to the translation of the Geneva Bible.
When Queen Elizabeth I ascended the English throne, establishing the Protestant Church of England, Kethe returned and served as a rector until his death in 1594.
As you sing this hymn, remember . . .
The Lord Is Worthy of Our:
Song (St.1), Service (St. 1), Surrender (St. 2), Joy (St. 3), Thanks (St. 3), Trust (st. 4)
Read & Relate
All People That On Earth Do Dwell
by William Kethe, 16th Century
All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.
Serve him with joy, his praises tell,
Come now before him and rejoice!
Ps. 100:1-2; 1 Cor. 15:59; Ps. 126:5; James 5:13
Know that the Lord is God indeed;
He formed us all without our aid.
We are the flock He comes to feed,
The sheep who by His hand were made.
Ps. 100:3; Acts 17:28; Isa. 40:11; Ps. 23:5
O enter then His gates with joy,
Within His courts His praise proclaim.
Let thankful songs your tongues employ.
O bless and magnify His name.
Ps. 100:4; Luke 24:53; 1 Chron. 16:8; 1 Thess. 5:18; Eph. 5:19
Trust that the Lord our God is good,
His mercy Is forever sure.
His faithfulness at all times stood
And shall from age to age endure.
Ps. 100:5; Ps. 34:8; Micah 7:18; Titus 3:5; Deut. 7:9
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The Study Guide
Our latest Hymn Study Guide will help you and your family reflect through each stanza of our hymn and connect it more firmly in biblical truth.
Remember
Print, mail or post this printable postcard on your fridge or bulletin board, clip in a photo holder or place in a frame.
