The Spacious Firmament on High - Hymn with Lyrics

 

1. The spacious firmament on high,
with all the blue ethereal sky,
and spangled heavens, a shining frame,
their great Original proclaim.
The unwearied sun from day to day
does his Creator's power display,
and publishes to every land
the work of an almighty hand.

2. Soon as the evening shades prevail
the moon takes up the wondrous tale,
and nightly to the listening earth
repeats the story of her birth;
whilst all the stars that round her burn,
and all the planets in their turn,
confirm the tidings, as they roll,
and spread the truth from pole to pole.

3. What though in solemn silence all
move round the dark terrestrial ball;
what though nor real voice nor sound
amid their radiant orbs be found;
in reason's ear they all rejoice,
and utter forth a glorious voice,
for ever singing as they shine,
'The hand that made us is divine.'

Scripture; Genesis 1:1-2:4; Job 38:1-41; Psalm 19

The Spacious Firmament on High is a hymn that reflects on the beauty and grandeur of the heavens, expressing awe at God's creation and the natural world. Its poetic lyrics come from a poem by Joseph Addison, first published in The Spectator, a British periodical, on August 23, 1712.

Origin of the Hymn

Joseph Addison, a prominent English essayist, poet, and politician, wrote the poem as part of an essay extolling the harmony of nature and its capacity to reveal the Creator's glory. The poem is steeped in the Enlightenment-era fascination with science, reason, and the divine order of the universe. Addison’s work reflects his belief that the study of nature leads to an understanding of God.