Hymn Story: In Gabriel’s hand a mighty stone

In Gabriel’s hand a mighty stone is a song written by Isaac Watts. He is best known as the author of Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound.

He was born on July 17, 1674 in Southampton, England.

He wrote a large collection of works and served as minister at Abney Park.

Watts died November 25, 1748 and is buried at Bunjhill Fields. A statue to him is at Westminister Abbey.

The following scripture is mentioned in an old hymnal the hymn was published in.

 “Rejoice over her, you heavens!

    Rejoice, you people of God!

    Rejoice, apostles and prophets!

For God has judged her

    with the judgment she imposed on you.”

The Finality of Babylon’s Doom

 Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said: “With such violence

    the great city of Babylon will be thrown down,

    never to be found again.”  {Revelation 18:20-21}