Easter Hymn: He Arose

He Arose is often known by its first line “Low in the grave He lay” or the last line “Hallelujah! Christ arose!”

The verse is known for its dirge or slowness while the chorus is upbeat and full of celebration.

This popular Easter hymn was written in 1874 by Robert Lowry, a 19th Century preacher and hymn writer.

The belief is he spontaneously wrote the hymn at his organ, after reading Luke 24:5-8.

And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words.

Lowery was born on March 12, 1826 in Philadelphia. He gave his life to the Lord at the age of 17 and later entered the ministry. He died on November 25, 1899, in Plainfield, New Jersey.

He wrote over 500 other hymns including “Shall We Gather at the River,” “I Need Thee Every Hour” and “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.”