Numerous times over the years I've tried unsuccessfully to write a blog about this hymn. Each time I quit because I didn't know how to handle the questions "Were you there when …?" After all, nobody alive today could have literally been there centuries ago.
Actually I would not have wanted to be there to view the crucifixion. Our Savior went through terrible pain and suffering. It would have been very painful for me to watch all that He endured. On the other hand, observing the resurrection would have been the thrill of a lifetime. I also would have liked to walk with him and talk with Him on the road to Emmaus.
Then I read in Isaiah the familiar verses, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." And there it was. I was there. He was carrying my sins and iniquities. That was why He was there – for me … and for you. And it does make me tremble when I feel the impact of what He went through for me.
This hymn is an African-American spiritual that was first printed in 1899. It was likely composed by enslaved African Americans in the 19th century. The song was first published in William Eleazar Barton's 1899 Old Plantation Hymns but was described in writings prior to this publication. In 1940, it was included in the Episcopal Church hymnal, making it the first spiritual to be included in any major American hymnal.
Over the years many additional verses have been added but four basic ones are found in most publications.
As annually we observe Easter seasons with family gatherings, special worship services and big meals, these can easily become just traditions with little meaning. Let's use this hymn to remind us of the true meaning and impact of these events. May they cause us to tremble, tremble, tremble!
Actually I would not have wanted to be there to view the crucifixion. Our Savior went through terrible pain and suffering. It would have been very painful for me to watch all that He endured. On the other hand, observing the resurrection would have been the thrill of a lifetime. I also would have liked to walk with him and talk with Him on the road to Emmaus.
Then I read in Isaiah the familiar verses, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." And there it was. I was there. He was carrying my sins and iniquities. That was why He was there – for me … and for you. And it does make me tremble when I feel the impact of what He went through for me.
This hymn is an African-American spiritual that was first printed in 1899. It was likely composed by enslaved African Americans in the 19th century. The song was first published in William Eleazar Barton's 1899 Old Plantation Hymns but was described in writings prior to this publication. In 1940, it was included in the Episcopal Church hymnal, making it the first spiritual to be included in any major American hymnal.
Over the years many additional verses have been added but four basic ones are found in most publications.
As annually we observe Easter seasons with family gatherings, special worship services and big meals, these can easily become just traditions with little meaning. Let's use this hymn to remind us of the true meaning and impact of these events. May they cause us to tremble, tremble, tremble!
1 Were you there when they
crucified my Lord?
Were you there when
they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to
tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when
they crucified my Lord?
2 Were you there when they
nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they
nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to
tremble, tremble, tremble,
Were you there when
they
nailed him to the tree?
3 Were you there when they
Were you there when they
laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to
tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they
laid him in the tomb?
4 Were you there when God
raised him from the tomb?
Were you there when God
raised him from the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to
tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when God
raised him from the tomb?
Here are two other verses that can be found in some publications.
Were you there when they pierced him in the side? (Were you there?)
Were you there when they pierced him in the side?
O sometimes it causes me to tremble! tremble! tremble!
Were you there when they pierced him in the side?
Were you there when the sun refused to shine? (Were you there?)
Were you there when the sun refused to shine?
O sometimes it causes me to tremble! tremble! tremble!
Were you there when the sun refused to shine?
Were you there when they pierced him in the side?
O sometimes it causes me to tremble! tremble! tremble!
Were you there when they pierced him in the side?
Were you there when the sun refused to shine? (Were you there?)
Were you there when the sun refused to shine?
O sometimes it causes me to tremble! tremble! tremble!
Were you there when the sun refused to shine?
Listen to it here. TREMBLE
No comments:
Post a Comment