Blessed city heavenly Salem
Choir of Merton College Oxford Lyrics
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vision dear of peace and love,
who of living stones art builded
in the height of heaven above,
and by angel hands apparelled,
as a bride doth earthward move
Out of heaven from God descending, new and ready to be wed
to thy Lord, whose love espoused thee, fair adorned shalt thou be led
of pure gold are fashioned.
Bright thy gates of pearl are shining they are open evermore
and their well-earned rest attaining thither faithful souls do soar,
who for Christ's dear name in this world pain and tribulation bore.
The lyrics of "Blessed city, heavenly Salem" evoke imagery of a divine city, a vision of peace and love. The city is described as being built by living stones, a metaphorical representation of the people who make up the city. The use of "heavenly Salem" alludes to the heavenly Jerusalem mentioned in the Bible. It is a place that is elevated, above the earthly realm, and adorned by angelic hands. The city is compared to a bride, descending from heaven to be wedded to the Lord, symbolizing a union between the divine and the earthly.
The lyrics also emphasize the beauty and grandeur of the city. Its gates and bulwarks are made of pure gold, representing purity and radiance. The gates themselves are described as shining pearls, always open, welcoming and inviting faithful souls who have endured pain and tribulation in the world. This imagery suggests that the city provides a soothing and comforting refuge for those who have remained steadfast in their faith.
Overall, the lyrics depict a vision of a heavenly city, a sanctuary of peace and love, where the faithful find solace and rest after enduring the hardships of life. It is a representation of the eternal union between God and his people.
Line by Line Meaning
Blessed city, heavenly Salem
Oh, glorious city, divine Salem
vision dear of peace and love
an envisioned haven of serenity and affection
who of living stones art builded
constructed from living souls
in the height of heaven above
rising in the highest realm of heaven
and by angel hands apparelled
adorned by celestial hands
as a bride doth earthward move
like a bride descending to earth
Out of heaven from God descending, new and ready to be wed
Descending from God's realm, prepared and eager for the divine union
to thy Lord, whose love espoused thee, fair adorned shalt thou be led
You will be guided to your Lord, who has embraced you with love and adorned you beautifully
all thy gates and all thy bulwarks
Every gate and defense surrounding you
of pure gold are fashioned
are crafted from pure gold
Bright thy gates of pearl are shining, they are open evermore
Radiantly gleaming are your pearl gates, always open
and their well-earned rest attaining thither faithful souls do soar
Faithful souls soar towards them, achieving their deserved rest
who for Christ's dear name in this world pain and tribulation bore
Those who endured suffering and hardship in this world for the sake of Christ
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Edward Bairstow
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind