The Ends of All the Earth Shall Hear

Performance Notes:

• The following article is from the Psalter Hymnal Handbook.

Text Information:

Scripture References:
st. 1 = Ps. 22:27
st. 2 = Ps. 22:28
st. 3 = Ps. 22:29
st. 4 = Ps. 22:30-31

The text is based on Psalm 22:27-31, the "vow of praise" part of this lament psalm. It was first published with Doane's tune in the 1912 Psalter and in every edition of the Psalter Hymnal.

Like 541, this text confesses with great certainty the worldwide rule of Christ, the Lord of lords and King of kings. All peoples and nations will submit to his reign (st. 1-2), for both rich and poor and future generations will confess the mighty deeds of the Lord (st. 3-4).

Liturgical Use:
At the beginning or end of regular Sunday worship; mission services; ecumenical events; during Epiphany and Pentecost seasons; fitting for Worldwide Communion, All Nations Sunday, and similar church festivals.

Tune Information:

VISION, composed by William H. Doane, was first published in the 1883 Baptist Hymnal, of which Doane was musical editor. There the tune, named GOD OF OUR STRENGTH, was set to the 1882 Francis J. Van Alstyne (pseudonym for Fanny J. Crosby, text "God of Our Strength, Enthroned Above." In the 1912 Psalter and all subsequent editions of the Psalter Hymnal, VISION was set to "The Ends of All the Earth Shall Hear." Presumably its name comes from the visionary nature of this text.

Sing in harmony with forceful accompaniment. Use brass instruments for festive services.

Other Resources:

Other Resources

• Visit hymnary.org for more information on this song and additional resources.