Most of us are familiar with metrical Psalms in which the actual text of Scripture is set in a form that enables people to sing God’s Word. Almost all hymnals have Psalms 23 and 100 in this format. When we were younger, we were doing this in a very simple way when we learned to sing Bible verses in the “Scripture Songs” we sang in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. In fact, that’s long been an excellent way to memorize verses used in children’s ministries like the Good News neighborhood Bible clubs with Child Evangelism Fellowship.
In addition to singing well-known Bible verses and metrical Psalms, there are also many hymns which are based very closely on the words of a Scripture passage, some almost to the point of being a metrical versification. One such hymn is the wonderful advent hymn, “Come, Comfort Ye My People.” It follows very closely the words of Isaiah 40:1-2. This passage marks a significant transition in the book of Isaiah. After the early chapters of historical events and divine warnings about impending judgment, God gave Isaiah words of hope that begin at chapter 40, the hope that despite their sin, God would deliver them. The chapters following include the marvelous prophecy of the atoning work of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53.