HYMN #0523 A&M #523 • Ancient & Modern Meter: 8 7 8 7 8 7 8 7 Hymns Ancient & Modern (638)

A&M Hymn #523: Who is this so weak and helpless?

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Hymns Ancient & Modern

523 " Who is this?"
Who is this so weak and helpless,
Child of iov.-ly Hebrew maid,
Rudely in a stable shelter'd,

Coldly in a manger laid ?
Tis the Lord of all creation.
Who this wondn ius path hath trod ;
He is God from everlasting,

And to everlasting God.
Who is this— a Man of Sorrows,
Walking sadly life's hard way.
Homeless, weary, sighing, weeping.

Over sin and Satan's sway?
'Tis our God, our glorious' Saviout.,
Who above the starry sky
Now for us a place prepareth,

Where no tear can dim the eye.
Wrho is this— behold Him shedding
Drops of Blood upon the ground ?
Who is this— despised, rejected,

Mock'd, insulted, beaten, bound?
Tis our God, Who gifts and graces
On His Church now poureth down ;
Who shall smite in righteous judgment

All His foes beneath His Throne.
Who is this that hangeth dying,
While the lude world scoffs and
Number'd with the malefactors,

Torn with nails, and crown'd with
'Tis the God Who ever liveth
'Mid the shining ones on high,
In the glorious pjlden city
Reigning everlastingly.

Amen.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Who is this so weak and helpless?"

Collection: Hymns Ancient & Modern

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is designated as Hymn #523 in the venerable Hymns Ancient & Modern (1889 Standard Edition). Originally compiled under the guidance of the Rev. Sir Henry Williams Baker and a committee of dedicated church musicians, this hymnal harmonized historic Latin, Greek, and German hymnody with classical English psalmody.

It has served as a primary liturgical hymnal for the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican and Episcopal communion for generations, renowned for its doctrinal clarity and reverent choral tradition.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 9 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: 8 7 8 7 8 7 8 7
Stanza Structure: 9 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.

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