HYMN #0175 SSS #175 • SS&S Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #175: Behold ! the Bridegroom

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

Behold, the Bridegroom cometh in
the middle of the night,
And blest is he whose loins are girt,
whose lamp is burning bright;
But woe to that dull servant whom
the Master shall surprise
With lamp untrimmed, unburning,
and with slumber in his eyes.

Do thou, my soul, keep watch, beware
lest thou in sleep sink down,
Lest thou be given o’er to death, and
lose the golden crown;
But see that thou art sober, with a
watchful eye, and thus
Cry, "Holy, Holy, Holy God, have
mercy upon us."

That day, the day of fear, shall come;
my soul, slack not thy toil,
But light thy lamp, and feed it well,
and make it bright with oil;
Thou knowest not how soon may
sound the cry at eventide:
"Behold the Bridegroom comes!
Arise, go forth to meet the Bride!"

Beware, my soul! take thou good
heed lest thou in slumber lie,
And, like the five, remain without,
and knock, and vainly cry;
But watch, and bear thy lamp undimmed,
and Christ shall gird thee on
His own bright wedding-robe of
light—the glory of the Son.

← Prev (#174) Hymn 175 of 1,200 Next (#176) →

🔎 Browse All 1,200 SS&S Hymns

Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Behold ! the Bridegroom"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #175 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 4 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: Standard Metrical Hymnody
Stanza Structure: 4 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

WINDOWS DESKTOP EDITION 100% Offline Worship

Take All 1,838 Hymns With Cathedral Organ Tunes Everywhere

Download the free offline Windows app with full 4-part harmony pipe organ accompaniments for both Sacred Songs & Solos and Hymns Ancient & Modern.

⬇️ Download for Windows PC (2.9 MB) View simple 1-minute installation guide →