Nun danket all und bringet Ehr

Nun danket all und bringet Ehr. Paul Gerhardt* (1607-1676). This hymn is dated 1647 in EG. It was first published in Johann Crüger*’s Praxis Pietatis Melica (1648). It has a reference to Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 50: 24, but it is more properly represented by verses 22-24: 22 Now therefore bless ye the God of all, which only doeth wondrous things every where, which exalteth our days from the womb, and dealeth with us according to his mercy. 23 He grant us joyfulness of heart, and that peace may be in our days in Israel for ever: 24 That he would confirm his mercy with us, and deliver us at this time. These verses would have a particular resonance in 1647, when the longing for peace after...