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Edward Plumptre wrote this hymn as a processional hymn, inviting those who sing to consider themselves as pilgrims through this life to the eternal life in Christ’s presence. As we journey together, we sing our praises together with the whole Church, following Christ crucified as our leader. We sing with our fathers who have come before us, with saints now, and with angel choirs, toiling as the Lord’s army through the struggles of sin. We find strength knowing that our march comes to an end in the heavenly Promised Land where we will dwell with the Triune God forever. 

Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Crawford, NE and Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Harrison, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study LSB 813, “Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng.” 

To learn more about Bethlehem and Redeemer Lutheran, visit belccrawford.org and relcharrison.org.

“Songs and Thankfulness and Praise” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies a variety of hymns of thanksgiving from Lutheran Service Book. Thanksgiving is a way of life for Christians as we realize that all gifts come from God’s fatherly love for us. In times of joy and sorrow, we return our thanks to Him for His never-ending goodness and mercy.  

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Together in faith, LCEF helps to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS ministries through financial and strategic partnerships. Visit lcef.org.

Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng

1 Rejoice, O pilgrim throng!

Rejoice, give thanks, and sing;

Your festal banner wave on high,

The cross of Christ, your king.

Refrain:

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!

2 With voice as full and strong

As ocean’s surging praise,

Send forth the sturdy hymns of old,

The psalms of ancient days. [Refrain]

3 With all the angel choirs,

With all the saints on earth

Pour out the strains of joy and bliss,

True rapture, noblest mirth. [Refrain]

4 Yet on and onward still,

With hymn and chant and song,

Through gate and porch and columned aisle

The hallowed pathways throng. [Refrain]

5 Still lift your standard high,

Still march in firm array,

As pilgrims through the darkness wend

Till dawns the golden day. [Refrain]

6 At last the march shall end;

The wearied ones shall rest;

The pilgrims find their home at last,

Jerusalem the blest. [Refrain]

7 Praise Him who reigns on high,

The Lord whom we adore;

The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

One God forevermore. [Refrain]