The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a large choir of The Church of Jesus Christ … Read Full Bio ↴The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a large choir of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons). Since July 15, 1929, the choir has performed a weekly radio broadcast called Music and the Spoken Word which is the longest-running continuous network broadcast in the world. The show has been televised since the early 1960s and is now broadcast worldwide through some 1,500 radio, television, and cable stations.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.

The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.

Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.

O God Our Help In Ages Past
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast,
and our eternal home.

Under the shadow of thy throne,
still may we dwell secure;
sufficient is thine arm alone,

and our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood,
or earth received her frame,

from everlasting, thou art God,
to endless years the same.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the hymn "O God Our Help In Ages Past" by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a song that reflects on the unwavering protection and constant presence of God throughout all ages. The hymn emphasizes that God has been a reliable help in the past and remains a steadfast hope for the future. The lyrics provide a metaphorical portrayal of the relationship between God and his believers, using phrases that describe God as a shelter from the stormy blast and an eternal home.

Additionally, the lyrics stir up a sense of security and safety as they remind believers that under the shadow of God's throne, they can live without fear of harm. The lyrics also suggest that believers have nothing to worry about because God's defense is sure and his arm alone is sufficient. Throughout the hymn, the lyrics continually reassure the believers of God's steadfast nature.

In summary, the "O God Our Help In Ages Past" hymn communicates a message of hope and security to believers as they reflect on the constant and unwavering presence of God throughout all of time.

Line by Line Meaning

O God, our help in ages past,
Oh God, you have been our support and aid throughout all of time

our hope for years to come,
You are also the source of our hope for the future

our shelter from the stormy blast,
You provide refuge and protection from life's difficult and challenging moments

and our eternal home.
Ultimately, we rely on you as our everlasting place of belonging and rest

Under the shadow of thy throne,
We find refuge under your powerful and protective authority

still may we dwell secure;
Despite life's uncertainties, we can remain safe and at peace in your presence

sufficient is thine arm alone,
Your strength is all-encompassing and completely capable of meeting all our needs

and our defense is sure.
We can confidently trust in you to protect and defend us against any harm

Before the hills in order stood,
You existed before the earth was even formed

or earth received her frame,
Before the world was created or organized

from everlasting, thou art God,
You are eternal and have always been God