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Watchman, Tell Us of the Night

John Bowring (1825) • English

Primary Scripture: Leviticus 25:13

Verse 1

Watchman, tell us of the night, what its signs of promise are. Traveler, what a wondrous sight: see that glory-beaming star. Watchman, does its beauteous ray news of joy or hope foretell? Traveler, yes; it brings the day, promised day of Israel.

Verse 2

Watchman, tell us of the night; higher yet that star ascends. Traveler, blessedness and light, peace and truth its course portends. Watchman, will its beams alone gild the spot that gave them birth? Traveler, ages are its own; see, it bursts o’er all the earth.

Verse 3

Watchman, tell us of the night, for the morning seems to dawn. Traveler, shadows take their flight; doubt and terror are withdrawn. Watchman, you may go your way; hasten to your quiet home. Traveler, we rejoice today, for Emmanuel has come!

Scripture References

Reference 1

  • leviticus 25:13

Reference 2

  • leviticus 25:18

Reference 3

  • numbers 24:17

Reference 4

  • isaiah 21:11-12

Reference 5

  • isaiah 40:9

Reference 6

  • isaiah 52:8

Reference 7

  • isaiah 60:1-3

Reference 8

  • matthew 2:2

Reference 9

  • luke 2:10-11

Reference 10

  • romans 13:12