Comment on a Hymn

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds

The sentiments of this hymn are quite, well, sweet. While the hymn writer speaks on behalf of all believers, what we find here is actually an expression of his own enjoyment of Jesus. And it is clear that he enjoyed Jesus a great deal.

There are two parts to the hymn. First, it reminds us of the ways in which Jesus does us good. And the hymn writer includes quite a list of things. The second part of the hymn is our response to such kindness: praise to Jesus and proclamation to others. This is a really good hymn. I would encourage you to read it before Sunday so that you can sing it with great feeling.

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

In a believer’s ear!

It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,

And drives away his fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole,

And calms the troubled breast;

’Tis manna to the hungry soul,

And to the weary rest.

Dear name! the rock on which I build,

My shield and hiding place,

My never failing treasury filled

With boundless stores of grace!

Jesus! my shepherd, husband, friend,

O prophet, priest and king,

My Lord, my life, my way, my end,

Accept the praise I bring.

Weak is the effort of my heart,

And cold my warmest thought;

But when I see Thee as Thou art,

I’ll praise Thee as I ought.

Till then I would Thy love proclaim

With every fleeting breath,

And may the music of Thy name

Refresh my soul in death!