
Issues, Etc. The Holy Week Hymn, “Sing My Tongue the Glorious Battle” – Pr. David Petersen, 4/2/26 (0932, Encore)
Apr 2, 2026
David Petersen, pastor and liturgy scholar and editor of Gottesdienst, discusses the Holy Week hymn “Sing My Tongue the Glorious Battle.” He traces the hymn’s ancient origins, explains its martial and sacrificial imagery, and argues for its musical power and liturgical use. Short reflections connect the hymn to biblical texts, salvation history, and the hymn’s triumphant doxology.
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Loss Of Martial Language Weakens Gospel Urgency
- Modern skepticism and Enlightenment cynicism have softened appreciation for dramatic biblical language like warfare in hymnody.
- David Petersen argues this diminishes awareness of Satan’s real danger and weakens calls to repentance and urgent need for Christ’s rescue.
Relic Story Explains Good Friday Use
- The hymn likely arose when a relic of the True Cross reached Poitiers around 569 and has been used on Good Friday to proclaim Christ's victory as a victim.
- Petersen recounts this origin story to explain the hymn's ancient Good Friday usage and joyful interpretation of crucifixion.
Hymn Reorients Sight To Faith
- The hymn pulls from the Suffering Servant songs, the Psalter, and biblical canticles to reorient perception from sight to faith.
- Petersen connects Psalmic praise and lament patterns to confessing Christ’s hidden victory amid apparent defeat.



