And he shall reign for ever and ever

Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious,
See "the Man of Sorrows" now;
From the fight return'd victorious,
Ev'ry knee to him shall bow:
Crown him, crown him;
Crowns become the victor's brow.

Crown the Saviour, angels crown him:
Rich the trophies Jesus brings:
In the seat of pow'r enthrone him,
While the vault of heaven rings:
Crown him, crown him;
Crown the Saviour "King of kings."

Sinners in derision crown'd him,
Mocking thus the Saviour's claim;
Saints and angels crowd around him,
Own his title, praise his name:
Crown him, crown him;
Spread abroad the victor's fame.

Hark! those bursts of acclamation!
Hark! those loud triumphant chords!
Jesus takes the highest station:
O what joy the sight affords!
Crown him, crown him;
"King of kings, and Lord of lords."

—Thomas Kelly, on Rev 11:15.
From Hymns on various passages of Scripture (1853).


Tune: "Coronae," William H. Monk (courtesy of Hymnary.org)

About the Author

Thomas Kelly (1769–1855) was destined for law until a sudden conversion left him with a passion for evangelical preaching; he took Holy Orders, but later left the Church of England. He was greatly learned, an expert in "the Oriental tongues," a good Bible critic, and musically talented. Over 51 years, he wrote and published a total of 765 hymns, mostly in his Hymns on Various Passages of Scripture.

Thoughts

I have loved this text ever since I first encountered while perusing a hymnal. When was the last time you sang a hymn on Jesus' ascension? This event was his coronation. At this time, he said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and on earth" (Matt 28:18). This is a victory song. John Calvin puts it well: "Never, certainly, would the Apostles have had sufficient confidence to undertake so arduous an office, if they had not known that their Protector sitteth in heaven, and that the highest authority is given to him; for without such a support it would have been impossible for them to make any progress."