thanksgiving

praise

deliverance

We Gather Together

Adrianus Valerius 1597 Tune: Kremser (12.11.12.11)

A Dutch hymn of thanksgiving for deliverance from oppression.

Quick Answer

A Dutch hymn of thanksgiving for deliverance from oppression. Written by Adrianus Valerius (1597), set to the tune "Kremser" by Dutch folk melody.

Suggested pairing scripture

Psalm 75:1

"Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare."

Read Psalm 75:1 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "We Gather Together." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

Read in context

When to sing this

Sing at Thanksgiving, year-end services, and anniversaries that recall God's faithful care.

Lyrics

Stanza 1

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing; He chastens and hastens His will to make known; The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing: Sing praises to His name, He forgets not His own.

Stanza 2

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining, Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine; So from the beginning the fight we were winning; Thou, Lord, wast at our side; all glory be Thine!

Stanza 3

We all do extol Thee, Thou leader triumphant, And pray that Thou still our defender wilt be. Let Thy congregation escape tribulation; Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

History & Background

Originally a Dutch text by Adrianus Valerius written to celebrate the Dutch victory over the Spanish at the Battle of Turnhout in 1597, ending decades of forbidden Protestant worship. The English translation by Theodore Baker appeared in 1894. Edward Kremser arranged the folk tune in 1877. It became a Thanksgiving Day standard in American churches in the early 20th century.

Scripture Behind the Hymn

Psalm 75:1

"Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare."

Read in context

Deuteronomy 8:10

"When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee."

Read in context

Frequently Asked Questions

What event inspired We Gather Together?

The Dutch victory at the Battle of Turnhout in 1597, which ended Spanish suppression of Protestant worship and let the Dutch Reformed believers freely 'gather together' for the first time.

Related Hymns

Other hymns that share themes or scripture with We Gather Together.

Now Thank We All Our God

Martin Rinkart · 1636

For the Beauty of the Earth

Folliott S. Pierpoint · 1864

Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven

Henry Francis Lyte · 1834

Related Reading

Continue your study with related content from across our library:

We Gather Together

Adrianus Valerius • 1597

Now Thank We All Our God

Martin Rinkart • 1636

Exodus 15:2 Commentary

In-depth study • Praise & Deliverance

A Thanksgiving Gathering

Scriptures about gratitude and thankfulness, perfect for Thanksgiving celebratio

Bible Verses About Thanksgiving

10 curated KJV verses

Bible Verses About Praise

10 curated KJV verses

Where to go next

Enjoyed "We Gather Together"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

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