Behold the Great Redeemer Die
191

Text: Eliza R. Snow (1804–1887; LDS)
Music: George Careless (1839–1932; LDS)
Tune name: SACRAMENT

The first word of this hymn, Behold, takes us to Calvary as eyewitnesses to the Savior’s crucifixion. We see his suffering and hear his words as if we were there. In verse six, our hymnic vision brings us to renewed commitment as we partake of the sacrament in remembrance of what we have just witnessed.

Only a very absent- minded singer can fail to be moved by the words of Eliza R. Snow. Her purpose was to help us bring all our attention to bear on the suffering of Christ and the meaning of his sacrifice. Verse four is certainly a bold poetic decision, paraphrasing as it does Jesus’ own words in Gethsemane—”O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39). When the moment comes to sing these words ourselves, it is surely an opportunity for each member of the congregation to feel more profoundly the depth and significance of the Savior’s sacrifice.

Of the three fine sacramental texts by Eliza R. Snow in our hymnal, this one describes the Crucifixion in the greatest detail, taking us through the experience event by event: the piercing of his hands, feet, and side; the insults; the crown of thorns; Christ’s willingness to proceed with the will of his Father; the darkness and earthquake that followed his death. After the sorrow and grief of Christ’s death, the final verse of the hymn states simply and joyfully, “He lives— he lives.”

The hymn was printed for choir use in the 1950 hymnal. Now in a lower key, it otherwise retains the same arrangement, with a soprano and alto duet in measures nine through twelve.

The text was first published in Sacred Hymns and Spiritual Songs in 1871. The tune SACRAMENT and this hymn text were first published together in the Utah Musical Times in 1877.