Behind the Hymn: We’re Marching to Zion
We’re Marching To Zion is sometimes referred to by it’s opening line, Come We That Love
Isaac Watts
the Lord.
The hymn was written by Isaac Watts. Watts was an English minister, hymnwriter, theologian and logician. He wrote over 750 hymns and is known as the Father of English hymnody.
Marching to Zion may have been based on Jeremiah 31:6, “Arise ye, and let us go to Zion.”
Marching to Zion was first published in the 1707 hymnal Hymns and Spiritual Songs.
In 1867, composer Robert Lowry provided the melody we most often sing the song to today. However, there are four earlier tunes that are still used with the lyrics on occasion.
Watts original hymn is said to have had ten stanzas, but only four are published in most hymnals.
Marching to Zion is an upbeat hymn through which singing it can help lift any bad mood.
I love this hymn.
It is a beautiful hymn. Thank you for visiting!
My wife was in the bathroom singing this hymn as she was preparing to come to bed early this morning after staying up all night. I’m currently recovering from multiple surgeries that she has been helping me through. I was encouraged in The Lord as I woke to this hymn from my childhood. Thank you for writing this history.
Glad you were encouraged. Saying a prayer for a speedy recovery. Blessings!
As a Jewish person, it is hard not to connect this hymn to a legacy of glorifying the crusades, in which so many were murdered or forced to convert at the point of the sword. I hope that those who introduce hymns before they are sung work to disconnect the hymn from this shameful legacy.
Thank you for sharing
Truly blessed me as I am preparing to share Gods Word on *We are marching to Zion”
I am about to get a doctorate in Sacred Music this is one of my favorite hymns really speaks to me. The other two favorite I have are “Praise to the Lord the Almighty” and the other two are “O For a Thousand Tongues” and “We Are Called”
Great song! Congratulations on your doctorial work.