This is such an uplifting hymn , especially in 2024, where there is so much persecution of our Christian family, and tragedy of many kinds!! We have something better in Heaven with our Saviour !! Some versions I have heard in America use from the throne of God! Awesome hymn!! Thanks for sharing!!!
I learnt this song in my childhood at church as it was very popular back in the 1950/early 60s. We sang flowing from the throne of God. So maybe the different denominations changed the word. 'At the smiling of the river,' to me this is a picture of the sun shining on the river & you see the sparkling lights & it looks bubbly & happy. ' Mirror of the Saviour's face.' To me I see a picture of the reflection of Jesus face when I look in the river. So it is a reminder of Psalm 23 and the first few verses talking about leading me beside the still waters - only I always see a babbling brook in my mind. I was surprised that I remembered so much of the words considering I haven't sung it for years. So thank you for singing it & yes, I appreciated the slower version as we used to belt it out & not take in the words at all. it was just a joyful sound!! Definitely an old favourite, so thank you for the reason behind the song as I will never sing it now without realising its true theme but I will still be singing FROM!! 😂
Started attending a small Baptist church in Uitenhage back in '64 aged 10. This was a song often sung at baptismal and funeral services. So loved the old-time hymns and songs as they truly connected one to God's throne of grace.
I have sung this hymn throughout my 50 years of serving our Lord. It brings such joy and peace when sung. Hymns have been such a part of my journey. God brings different hymns to mind when I need them in my walk with him. The river of life today and when we meet in heaven comes from His throne.
Grew up on the farm in West Texas. We had no rivers close to home, but the sound has a country feel, humble. but refers to Rev 22 when we meet at the River of life. What a joyous day that will be.
My family always gathered around the piano with my dad on the violin and sang all these old hymns. They are ingrained in my memory and heart and I was and am blessed!
One of my favorite hymns because it tells of the beauties of our REAL home! Thank you for sharing it, and in so doing, encouraging us to keep an eternal perspective in our earthly struggles
We use sing this when I was growing up. And another person said ‘from the throne of God’ and that’s how I remember it. But it’s a beautiful picture of heaven and the joy that all believers will have with each other and with Jesus. I can imagine Jesus being there and we’ll enjoy being with our Lord and Savior.
I remember singing this hymn since I was a child, and we always sang the words ,flowing from the throne of God. What I love about these old hymns is that I remember the words very clearly, even at the age of 90. I’m looking forward to meeting old friends and family as we gather there. God bless you. X
On the smiling of the river reflecting the Saviour's face to me means the shining water smiles in welcome.. not just beautiful but connecting personally to each one of us, as when one smiles at someone..not a Mona Lisa smile, not decorative one but an expression of love.
Thank you ❗️I have heard of that hymn before, but you helped make it come alive for me. I really can’t remember ever actually singing it before. Thank you again 😊📖✝️
I remember first hearing this song a few years ago while watching the baptism episode in Series five of The Waltons, a story based on the life of Earl Hamner Junior during the American Great Depression and World War Two. At the time I only ever learnt the chorus thinking that it was the first verse due to the way that it's performed in the episode, and I've wanted to learn more but wasn't even sure what this hymn was called until yesterday. Thank you for this video, it's been a great help, and I hope to one day learn this song off by heart.
Amazing stuff, Dr. Luke! Thank you for another masterclass which takes some of us back several decades... and yet it amazes me (every time) you say you hadn't come across this from back in the day?! That said; in my opinion, R. LOWRY remains one of the greatest Baptist preachers and composers of all time. The inspiration behind this GREAT hymn reveals how Lowry envisioned heaven as depicted by Saint John in Revelation 22. It is a very popular hymn still sang across many Baptist Churches, and Schools in West Africa and also North America. I learned this song over four decades ago (from the SS&S hymnal of Ira D. SANKEY), and I remember that we sang it perhaps every other week at the Baptist Mission College I attended back in the Cameroon's. It was one of those hymns that brought unexplainable joy and hope to our hearts as young adolescents... Something else I remember quite vividly is that this hymn provided me with the clearest and simplest description of how heaven would look. Even though we heard messages from the Bible each day, the book of Revelation wasn't one that was preached to us often and even when it was, to our youthful ears it sounded quite difficult to understand but this hymn brought extreme clarity of how heaven would look to the mortal mind. Revelation 22:1-2a beautifully describes: "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city."
Love this hymn. . Sang in Baptist church as child. River of Life provided by God! Not sure word by or from matters . Both mean the same to me. We will know in heaven. 😊
Blessings Pastor Luke and to all on this site! I am looking forward to that day when you and I meet together as we gather at the river that flows around the throne of God! ❤
I grew up singing this precious song on any ordinary Sabbath day's service, at prayer meetings, revival or evangelistic services. We especially liked singing it at baptisms and graveside burial services. While it is extremely important to have right theology, we can get to nitpicking on points that do not destroy the teaching of Scripture. The river, however, does flow FROM the throne of God. Thanks for sharing once again.
Awesome great video and song. I remember hearing it on Westering movies as a kid. God bless you for the work you do. Many thumbs up to you and your videos always. God bless you always.
God uses the natural messages like storms or shiny flowing river to teach us and granting us understanding of our spiritual needs and how to react! They are synonymous! Florida had hurricane Helene and now Milton! How do I react to storms! By trusting in God fully that whether inward or outward storms God is a shelter in the time of the storm! And by site when at last we meet his face, together we will sing along with creation that sings with praises the river of life that today we drink from that flows by from the source are living God from the very throne of God; ❤🙏
Pastor Luke and all who will ever read this! There is a God and there is a shiny river! O how I rejoice since Jesus came into my life, ruling because I desired him to rule on the throne of my heart! Now just within moments of my second text: A group of residents where I live just listened now to: Shall we gather at the river, the beautiful beautiful river that flows by the throne of God! ❤Thank you Jesus! And for the day we will with Luke and numerous others around the beautiful river that flows by the throne of God! October 11th, /24 the day in remembrance my late wife Joy, wedding anniversary 49: years ago today! Sweetheart. This songs for you: The beautiful river...❤
Interesting - I remember singing this as a young person (many decades ago) and singing 'FROM the throne of God' - maybe whoever compiled our hymn book took the liberty of changing the words!!
I have been enjoying your videos for a long time now and I am noticing that your playing is improving with your efforts to study these hymns. That is not to say at all that you were in any way lacking skill before, but all artists improve with careful study and practice and I can tell that you have been growing in your work as you have been studying these beautiful hymns. As have we by listening to the history behind the songs. Thank you for making time to study and practice and then share with us.
Hi Beverly, Does God have a nemesis, enemy, contender? Yes He does. His name is, the Dragon, the Devil and Satan. (See Revelation 20:2) He is often referred to as the Evil One. He is the author of multiplied and widespread deceptions, some truth mixed with a bit of error. Jesus warned us on multiple occasions to be aware of this ENEMY and His devices. We do this by correct and constant study of the Sacred Scriptures and application of its principles to our life so that we may NOT be deceived. (See Matthew 24, 25)
Love this hymn, we always sang it as 'from the throne of God'. Not sure how common such a tweak to the lyrics is internationally. Appreciate the contemplative pace you have chosen here, especially with having just had the 1st anniversary of the 7th October attacks, thinking about those who have lost their lives in the last year and also the two hurricanes that have destroyed so many lives in America.
Hi Luke. I'm in the UK and really enjoy your hymntime features as part of my worship. I grew up in the 1960's and we used to sing a lot of hymns by Percy Dearmer, including 'He Who Would Valient Be' and 'Jesus Good Above All Other'. You may have already featured him but I can't find it. Many thanks.
Translated from the original text/Bible Hub "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding OUT of the throne of God and of the Lamb.""
As to the question about the lyrics "by the river of God" as opposed to the Biblical "from the river of God". I believe that "by" indicates autority and ownership wheras "from" indicates location. "By" indicates that only God could , and indeed has created this river . It was created by His autority which is represented by "his throne".
Hi Luke, the line about "the smiling of the river" may mean that the river is smiling because it is mirroring the Saviour's (smiling) face. This is how I read it.
Maybe he meant “by” the same way that one would say that an offspring is “by” the father and “out of” the mother? As if to say that the river is an offspring of The Lord and therefore made by the throne and not that the river is located next to the throne.
Oh don't you worry about that! I was merely referring to the last time I heard this song, which happened to be in a movie! I was surprised to have Luke make it one of his videos!!!! Is it not so much better to have it be sung for joy than for a funeral song? That's how they used it in the movie when Jerimaih Johnsons family had passed due to unfortunate circumstances.
This is such an uplifting hymn , especially in 2024, where there is so much persecution of our Christian family, and tragedy of many kinds!! We have something better in Heaven with our Saviour !! Some versions I have heard in America use from the throne of God! Awesome hymn!! Thanks for sharing!!!
I learnt this song in my childhood at church as it was very popular back in the 1950/early 60s. We sang flowing from the throne of God. So maybe the different denominations changed the word. 'At the smiling of the river,' to me this is a picture of the sun shining on the river & you see the sparkling lights & it looks bubbly & happy. ' Mirror of the Saviour's face.' To me I see a picture of the reflection of Jesus face when I look in the river. So it is a reminder of Psalm 23 and the first few verses talking about leading me beside the still waters - only I always see a babbling brook in my mind. I was surprised that I remembered so much of the words considering I haven't sung it for years. So thank you for singing it & yes, I appreciated the slower version as we used to belt it out & not take in the words at all. it was just a joyful sound!! Definitely an old favourite, so thank you for the reason behind the song as I will never sing it now without realising its true theme but I will still be singing FROM!! 😂
Always reminds me of my wife's best friend who died of cancer. She played this one on piano. Peace, faith, hope.
Started attending a small Baptist church in Uitenhage back in '64 aged 10. This was a song often sung at baptismal and funeral services. So loved the old-time hymns and songs as they truly connected one to God's throne of grace.
I have sung this hymn throughout my 50 years of serving our Lord. It brings such joy and peace when sung. Hymns have been such a part of my journey. God brings different hymns to mind when I need them in my walk with him. The river of life today and when we meet in heaven comes from His throne.
Grew up on the farm in West Texas. We had no rivers close to home, but the sound has a country feel, humble. but refers to Rev 22 when we meet at the River of life. What a joyous day that will be.
My family always gathered around the piano with my dad on the violin and sang all these old hymns. They are ingrained in my memory and heart and I was and am blessed!
Precious!
Sang this song at church as a child. I’m 68.
Thanks!
Thanks Olivier!
Thank you Luke for bringing the Word of God to life again through these precious treasures...😊
One of my favorite hymns because it tells of the beauties of our REAL home! Thank you for sharing it, and in so doing, encouraging us to keep an eternal perspective in our earthly struggles
When I was young, I saw my brother’s baptized in a river, so it means a lot to me
Wonderful rendition! Thank you!
What this song means for me is love love and passion😊
We use sing this when I was growing up. And another person said ‘from the throne of God’ and that’s how I remember it. But it’s a beautiful picture of heaven and the joy that all believers will have with each other and with Jesus. I can imagine Jesus being there and we’ll enjoy being with our Lord and Savior.
When my mom was close to death she talked of a river she was on the verge of crossing, and asked me if I could go with her. 🥲
I remember singing this hymn since I was a child, and we always sang the words ,flowing from the throne of God. What I love about these old hymns is that I remember the words very clearly, even at the age of 90. I’m looking forward to meeting old friends and family as we gather there. God bless you. X
I picture saints gathered and holding hands singing praise to our Lord and savior
On the smiling of the river reflecting the Saviour's face to me means the shining water smiles in welcome.. not just beautiful but connecting personally to each one of us, as when one smiles at someone..not a Mona Lisa smile, not decorative one but an expression of love.
Thank you ❗️I have heard of that hymn before, but you helped make it come alive for me. I really can’t remember ever actually singing it before. Thank you again 😊📖✝️
Beautifully done!!!
I remember first hearing this song a few years ago while watching the baptism episode in Series five of The Waltons, a story based on the life of Earl Hamner Junior during the American Great Depression and World War Two. At the time I only ever learnt the chorus thinking that it was the first verse due to the way that it's performed in the episode, and I've wanted to learn more but wasn't even sure what this hymn was called until yesterday. Thank you for this video, it's been a great help, and I hope to one day learn this song off by heart.
Amazing stuff, Dr. Luke! Thank you for another masterclass which takes some of us back several decades... and yet it amazes me (every time) you say you hadn't come across this from back in the day?!
That said; in my opinion, R. LOWRY remains one of the greatest Baptist preachers and composers of all time. The inspiration behind this GREAT hymn reveals how Lowry envisioned heaven as depicted by Saint John in Revelation 22. It is a very popular hymn still sang across many Baptist Churches, and Schools in West Africa and also North America.
I learned this song over four decades ago (from the SS&S hymnal of Ira D. SANKEY), and I remember that we sang it perhaps every other week at the Baptist Mission College I attended back in the Cameroon's. It was one of those hymns that brought unexplainable joy and hope to our hearts as young adolescents...
Something else I remember quite vividly is that this hymn provided me with the clearest and simplest description of how heaven would look. Even though we heard messages from the Bible each day, the book of Revelation wasn't one that was preached to us often and even when it was, to our youthful ears it sounded quite difficult to understand but this hymn brought extreme clarity of how heaven would look to the mortal mind. Revelation 22:1-2a beautifully describes: "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city."
Excellent Choice,,,- lived for many years near Rivers,& do so now,,,U K,
And long for heaven,too
Love this hymn. . Sang in Baptist church as child. River of Life provided by God! Not sure word by or from matters . Both mean the same to me. We will know in heaven. 😊
Blessings Pastor Luke and to all on this site! I am looking forward to that day when you and I meet together as we gather at the river that flows around the throne of God! ❤
I grew up singing this precious song on any ordinary Sabbath day's service, at prayer meetings, revival or evangelistic services. We especially liked singing it at baptisms and graveside burial services. While it is extremely important to have right theology, we can get to nitpicking on points that do not destroy the teaching of Scripture. The river, however, does flow FROM the throne of God.
Thanks for sharing once again.
I grew up singing it in church. Thanks for sharing. God bless.
Awesome great video and song. I remember hearing it on Westering movies as a kid. God bless you for the work you do. Many thumbs up to you and your videos always. God bless you always.
Thank you so much!
Love this hymn. Grew up with it ❤️✝️❤️
Yes! It matters ...If we are going to quote Scripture, we need to quote it accurately 😊
As a young boy my parents had an album by Tennessee Ernie Ford and this was one of the hymns I always loved from that album.
I've always loved this song!❤
God uses the natural messages like storms or shiny flowing river to teach us and granting us understanding of our spiritual needs and how to react! They are synonymous! Florida had hurricane Helene and now Milton! How do I react to storms! By trusting in God fully that whether inward or outward storms God is a shelter in the time of the storm! And by site when at last we meet his face, together we will sing along with creation that sings with praises the river of life that today we drink from that flows by from the source are living God from the very throne of God; ❤🙏
A long time loved hymn I've heard less and less over 70 years. Thank you Luke.
Pastor Luke and all who will ever read this! There is a God and there is a shiny river! O how I rejoice since Jesus came into my life, ruling because I desired him to rule on the throne of my heart! Now just within moments of my second text: A group of residents where I live just listened now to: Shall we gather at the river, the beautiful beautiful river that flows by the throne of God! ❤Thank you Jesus! And for the day we will with Luke and numerous others around the beautiful river that flows by the throne of God! October 11th, /24 the day in remembrance my late wife Joy, wedding anniversary 49: years ago today! Sweetheart. This songs for you: The beautiful river...❤
Interesting - I remember singing this as a young person (many decades ago) and singing 'FROM the throne of God' - maybe whoever compiled our hymn book took the liberty of changing the words!!
I have been enjoying your videos for a long time now and I am noticing that your playing is improving with your efforts to study these hymns. That is not to say at all that you were in any way lacking skill before, but all artists improve with careful study and practice and I can tell that you have been growing in your work as you have been studying these beautiful hymns. As have we by listening to the history behind the songs.
Thank you for making time to study and practice and then share with us.
Very kind, thank you!
Your theology is sincere.
🙏🙏🙏
I don’t think the word by or from matters greatly. God is the author of everything and we will be with Him. That is all that matters!
Hi Beverly, Does God have a nemesis, enemy, contender? Yes He does. His name is, the Dragon, the Devil and Satan. (See Revelation 20:2) He is often referred to as the Evil One. He is the author of multiplied and widespread deceptions, some truth mixed with a bit of error. Jesus warned us on multiple occasions to be aware of this ENEMY and His devices. We do this by correct and constant study of the Sacred Scriptures and application of its principles to our life so that we may NOT be deceived. (See Matthew 24, 25)
Love that song ❤😊❤
Love this song you sang it beautiful luke❤
Love this hymn, we always sang it as 'from the throne of God'. Not sure how common such a tweak to the lyrics is internationally.
Appreciate the contemplative pace you have chosen here, especially with having just had the 1st anniversary of the 7th October attacks, thinking about those who have lost their lives in the last year and also the two hurricanes that have destroyed so many lives in America.
I know this song since my childhood we sing at every funeral
Hi Luke. I'm in the UK and really enjoy your hymntime features as part of my worship. I grew up in the 1960's and we used to sing a lot of hymns by Percy Dearmer, including 'He Who Would Valient Be' and 'Jesus Good Above All Other'. You may have already featured him but I can't find it. Many thanks.
❤angel singing, so beautiful, thank you 😅❤
Beautiful 😊
We sang this song at Sunday service (Chinese version)
We sing this song in our Anchor Bible Baptist Church and at other Baptist churches
Hi Luke , I never heard of this hymn
Thank you for sharing
Translated from the original text/Bible Hub
"And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding OUT of the throne of God and of the Lamb.""
As to the question about the lyrics "by the river of God" as opposed to the Biblical "from the river of God". I believe that "by" indicates autority and ownership wheras "from" indicates location. "By" indicates that only God could , and indeed has created this river . It was created by His autority which is represented by "his throne".
Hi Luke, the line about "the smiling of the river" may mean that the river is smiling because it is mirroring the Saviour's (smiling) face. This is how I read it.
Ah I like that!
May you analize the song "The Holy City" because it's my FAVORITE HYMN to sing? Thank yuo ane God bless you🙏🙏🙏
Oh wow ! I wonder whether Mark Lowry ( he of song Mary Did You Know) comes from the writer of this beautiful hymn's lineage.❤
We sang at funerals mainly.
'From the Throne' is more accurate imo but 'By the Throne' is perhaps easier to pronounce.
I have always known the words as "from the river of God" (Redemption Hymnal?)
Maybe he meant “by” the same way that one would say that an offspring is “by” the father and “out of” the mother? As if to say that the river is an offspring of The Lord and therefore made by the throne and not that the river is located next to the throne.
That's an interesting thought. Ha!
I'm sure this was the one that was in Jerimiah Johson
Johnson*
I think it's important to say it flows "from" the throne because life comes from God.
@@debbieardinger8015 good point!
@LukePowellMinistries I still love the song and I really enjoy you sharing how these songs were written.
Oh don't you worry about that! I was merely referring to the last time I heard this song, which happened to be in a movie! I was surprised to have Luke make it one of his videos!!!! Is it not so much better to have it be sung for joy than for a funeral song? That's how they used it in the movie when Jerimaih Johnsons family had passed due to unfortunate circumstances.
The KJV says “quickly” not “soon”.