BLESSED BE THE NAME

In ancient times, names were sacred, or maybe we could say names carried a higher purpose. Names expressed character. Often in the Bible, the name given to a newly born child may have been related to a place, circumstance, experience or event at the time. God sometimes changed the names…as in Abraham and Sarah. After a divine encounter, Jacob…the ‘grabber’ became Israel…God’s prince. Of course, God specifically instructed the names of others, including His Son, Jesus, because He would save the people from their sin.

This hymn is called, “BLESSED BE THE NAME” and it was written by William H. Clark who lived from 1854 – 1925. Apparently, there is very little else that can be found about this man. It is presumed that the song is dated from sometime around 1888. Its first documented appearance was in the 1891 publication entitled "Hymns of the Christian Life," compiled by R. Kelso Carter and A.B. Simpson.

The first verse of the hymn praises God for sending Jesus, the second verse praises Jesus for His name, the third verse praises Jesus for His death, and the fourth verse praises Jesus for His reign. The refrain uses the declaration spoken by Job in the book of Job chapter 1 and verse 21…”Blessed be the Name of the Lord.”

We used to sing this song often in church services, but maybe not as frequently now. Yet, we continue to enjoy all the spiritual blessings that we have in Christ Jesus and in the meaning of that God given Name… "...and His name will be called JESUS.”