Jerusalem - William Blake

Jerusalem - William Blake

William Blake’s splendid and stirring hymn “Jerusalem”

“And did those feet in ancient time, 
Walk upon England's mountains green:
And was the holy Lamb of God,
On England's pleasant pastures seen!”

It was always a mystery, singing it at school, wondering as we sang… “And did those feet in Ancient Times walk upon England’s mountains green?” Well…Did they? But I finally understood a few years ago. Blake was asking four rhetorical questions, questioning a popular myth. (There was a myth going around during the time of Blake, some believed Jesus visited England as a boy.) William Blake’s amazing response was – Jerusalem!.

Unfortunately all through my school days and even attending churches – It would seem – No one actually understood the kind of treasure this hymn represents.…So many still don’t know the meaning of William Blake’s profound poem or implications!.The poem turned into the stirring and marvelous anthem and hymn by Sir Hubert Parry, is still speaking to those who want to build Jerusalem – But Blake’s poem is for mobilizing the Church to do the works God prepared for those who love Him. Blake underneath the poem writes scripture “Would to God that all the Lord’s people were Prophets” Numbers 11:29

William Blake’s poem puts the rhetorical question, 4 times – Did Jesus visit England’s green and pleasant land? And in the last line writes – “And was Jerusalem built here, Among these dark Satanic Mills?” The answer is obviously – No! But then William Blake, a Non-Conformist Christian, concerned about all the social injustice and exploitation of the poor – gives the inspiring response in the next lines – In other words it is a prophetic call to all God’s people to be the hands and feet of Jesus in England – The true church, the body of Christ to walk upon England’s mountains green making a difference, bringing heaven to earth. In the light of Church history – With the likes of the Wesleys, Charles Spurgeon, George Muller, General Booth and many, many others….we can see Jesus did make a difference to England through His people……But if we fast forward to 1973 and listen to “Jerusalem” played by the band, Emerson Lake and Palmer – Would you believe their version got banned by the BBC in 1973! but what about today? How far have things drifted? But the call to build Jerusalem – still goes forth and will be answered by those who will understand!

And did those feet in ancient time, 
Walk upon England's mountains green: 
And was the holy Lamb of God, 
On England's pleasant pastures seen!

And did the Countenance Divine, 
Shine forth upon our clouded hills? 
And was Jerusalem builded here, 
Among these dark Satanic Mills?

Bring me my Bow of burning gold: 
Bring me my Arrows of desire: 
Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold: 
Bring me my Chariot of fire!

I will not cease from Mental Fight, 
Nor shall my Sword sleep in my hand: 
Till we have built Jerusalem,
In England's green & pleasant Land.

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 Artwork - © Peter N Millward