This hymn draws from a number of scriptural references, including Isaiah 53.5, “But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities.”  It was written in 1707 by Isaac Watts.

 

Alas! And did my Savior bleed, and did my Sovereign die!  Would he devote that sacred head for such a worm as I!

Was it for crimes that I had done he groaned upon the tree!  Amazing pity! Grace unknown! And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide, and shut his glories in, when Christ the mighty Maker, died for man the creature’s sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face while his dear cross appears; dissolve my heart in thankfulness, and melt mine eyes in tears.

But drops of grief can ne’er repay the debt of love I owe; Here Lord, I give myself away, ‘tis all that I can do.

 

Hear the gospel segments told in this wonderful song: Christ is acknowledged as the Maker in verse 3.  Man is known to need help – a worm, a committer of crimes, a sinner.

The agony of the crucifixion is described – bloody death, groaning upon the tree.  The devotion of God for His people is registered – amazing pity, grace unknown, love beyond degree.

And the sinner who believes responds in thankfulness, tears, and giving himself away to his Savior and Sovereign.