One of the newest “popular” worship songs that has recently swept across the U.S churches is “Let God Arise” by Chris Tomlin. The question is, “is this song scripturally sound?” Should a church be singing a song that proclaims “let God arise?” Here’s the lyrics:
Hear the holy roar of God resound
Watch the waters part before us now
Come and see what He has done for us
Tell the world of His great loveOur God is a God who saves
Our God is a God who savesLet God arise
Let God arise
Our God reigns now and forever
He reigns now and foreverHis enemies will run for sure
The church will stand, she will endure
He holds the keys of life, our Lord
Death has no sting, no final word
This phrase gives implications that God needs to be summoned by His church, which is a little unnerving. I found that Psalm 68 says this phrase and is, most likely, the scriptural basis for this song:
Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered,
And let those who hate Him flee before Him. (Psalm 68:1, NASB)
(click here for full context of Psalm 68)
The ESV translates this verse:
God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered;
and those who hate him shall flee before him!
(click here for full context of Psalm 68)
Most would agree that simply taking a phrase from scripture doesn’t nessicarly make it scripturally sound. So, does the tone of the song reflect the tone that is in the scriptures?
Written by: James
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