WORSHIP >> Adoration & Praise
SDAH 35
With songs and honors sounding loud,
Address the Lord on high;
Over the heavens He spreads His cloud,
And waters veil the sky.
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For Worship Leaders
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Hymn Spotlight: With Songs and Honors
A majestic hymn of praise, With Songs and Honors is a paraphrase of Psalm 147 by Isaac Watts (1674–1748). Originally titled The Season of the Year, it first appeared in Watts’ Psalms of David Imitated (1719) with eight stanzas, reflecting on God’s power in creation and His care for His people.
The tune, BEDFORD, was first published around 1723 in Francis Timbrell’s Divine Music Scholar’s Guide. The melody, originally in triple meter, was later adapted into duple rhythm by William Gardiner in 1812, giving it a steadier, more stately feel.
The composer, William Wheale (c. 1690–1727), served as organist at St. Paul’s Church, Bedford, England. So beloved was this tune that, according to parish records, the church bells rang it in his memory for over a century!
As we sing today, may we echo the psalmist’s call to worship, lifting songs and honors to our King for His greatness and goodness!
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Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
Based on portions of Psalm 147, this paraphrase by Isaac Watts (1674-1748) appeared in his Psalms of David Imitated, 1719)
Titled “The Season of the year,” the original has eight stanzas.
BEDFORD was first published in Francis Timbrell’s Divine Music Scholar’s Guide, c. 1723. William Gardiner changed the triple to duple rhythm in his Sacred Melodies, 1812.
William Wheale (Sometimes spelled Wheall or Weale), born c. 1690, was from 1715 the organist at St. Paul’s Church, Bedford, England. He earned the B. Mus. At Cambridge University in 1719, and according to the parish record at Bedford, he was buried September 4, 1727, in the churchyard of St. Paul’s. We are told that the bells of this church rang out this tune in his memory for more than 100 years.
Stanza:
1 – Psalm 147:1, 8
2 – Psalm 147:8
3 – Psalm 148:15, 16
4 – Psalm 148:18
5 – Psalm 148:20
Text
1
With songs and honors sounding loud,
Address the Lord on high;
Over the heavens He spreads His cloud,
And waters veil the sky.
2
He sends His showers of blessing down
To cheer the plains below;
He makes the grass the mountains crown,
And corning valleys grow.
3
His steady counsels change the face
Of the declining year;
He bids the sun cut short his race,
And wintry days appear.
4
He sends His word, and melts the snow;
The fields no longer mourn;
He calls the warmer gales to blow,
And bids the spring return.
5
The changing wind, the flying cloud,
Obey His mighty word:
With songs and honors sounding loud
Praise ye the sovereign Lord!
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Ps 147:1, 8 (b) Ps 147:8 (c) Ps 148:15, 16 (d) Ps 148:18 (e) Ps 148:20
Author
Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Year Published
1719
Hymn Tune
BEDFORD
Metrical Number
C.M.
Composer
William Wheale (1690-1729)
Year Composed
c. 1723
Theme
ADORATION AND PRAISE
