The hymn is a poetic version of Psalm 146. It was first published in the second part of Freylinghausen’s Gesangbuch, Halle, 1714, the original having 8 stanzas. The translation here given is a free rendering of stanzas 1 and 8, and was made especially for the Hymnary.
The author of this hymn, Johann Daniel Herrnschmidt, a learned and devout man, was born in Bopfingen, in Württemberg, where his father was pastor. He was a pupil and for a time assistant of pastor August Francke in Halle. Later he became minister in Bopfingen, then superintendent and councilman at Nassau-Idstein. In 1715 he became teacher and pastor in Halle where he died 8 years later.
MUSIC. LOBE DEN HERREN, O MEINE SEELE, inseparably united with this hymn, is one of the most brilliant and striking gems in our chorale treasury. The composer is unknown. The tune first appeared in Anhang der Seelen-Harpff, Onolzbach, 1665, and later in Freylinghausen’s Gesangbuch, 1714.
514. Now thank we all our God
Martin Rinkart, 1586-1649
Tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1829-78
1.
Nun danket alle Gott
Mit Herzen, Mund und Händen,
Der grosse Dinge tut