Praise Him, Praise Him: Fanny Crosby’s Hymn of Adoration and Proclamation
In her hymn “Praise Him, Praise Him,” Fanny Crosby expresses a heart overflowing with adoration for Jesus Christ, the blessed Redeemer. Drawing from her deep love for the Savior and her understanding of His sacrificial work, Crosby pens lyrics that call believers to join in joyful praise and proclamation of Christ’s greatness and love.
The opening verse is a summons to the entire earth to praise Jesus and proclaim His wonderful love. Crosby invites even the highest archangels in glory to hail Him and give strength and honor to His holy Name. This universal call to worship emphasizes the supreme worthiness of Christ and the magnitude of His love that extends to all creation.
The chorus is a simple yet powerful declaration of praise, urging believers to tell of Jesus’ excellent greatness and to lift their voices in joyful song. Crosby recognizes that praise should be a continual activity in the life of a Christian, a natural outpouring of gratitude for who Christ is and what He has done.
In the second verse, Crosby reflects on the depths of Jesus’ sacrifice, acknowledging that He suffered, bled, and died for the sins of humanity. She hails Him as the Rock, the sure foundation, and the Hope of eternal salvation. By referring to Jesus as the Crucified, Crosby highlights the centrality of the cross in the Christian faith and the immeasurable love demonstrated there.
The third verse celebrates Jesus as the One who bore our sorrows, emphasizing His compassion and empathy for human suffering. Crosby describes Christ’s love as unbounded, wonderful, deep, and strong, recognizing its infinite nature and power to transform lives.
The final verse anticipates the glorious return of Christ, picturing heavenly portals resounding with hosannas as Jesus reigns forever and ever. Crosby calls for believers to crown Him as Prophet, Priest, and King, acknowledging His multifaceted roles in the lives of His followers. She declares that Christ is coming over the world victorious, and that all power and glory belong to Him alone.
Throughout her life, Fanny Crosby experienced the love and salvation of Jesus Christ firsthand, and she dedicated her talents to proclaiming His praises. Despite the challenges of blindness and the loss of loved ones, she found unshakable hope and joy in her relationship with the Savior. “Praise Him, Praise Him” is a testament to Crosby’s unwavering devotion and her desire to lead others in exalting the name of Jesus. This hymn encourages believers to join in the eternal chorus of praise, celebrating Christ’s excellent greatness, His sacrificial love, and His coming victory over all the earth. As we sing these words, may our hearts be filled with the same adoration and wonder that inspired Fanny Crosby to pen this timeless hymn of praise.
