Hezekiah
Bradley Fine Arts Center Auditorium – Lakeland College
Friday, July 4th 2014
Great Lakes Christadelphian Bible School Senior Choir
2 Chron. 28:1-4
2 Chron. 28:22-25
2 Chron. 29:1-2
Hear Our Prayer, O Lord…….…………………..George Whelpton (1847-1930)
2 Chron. 29:3-6, 11
2 Chron. 30:6
Deut. 30:2-3, 9, 19
Return to the Lord…..………………………........……..Nathan Richard (b. 1993)
2 Chron. 30:10-11
Ps. 76:1, 11-12
Is. 36:1-5,18-20
Assyrian Invasion……………………….……...………….………Nathan Richard
2 Kings 19:35
Give Thanks...….………………...……………..…………….……Nathan Richard
2 Kings 20:1-3
Ps. 102:1-4
Hear My Prayer…………………..…...……………… Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Is. 38:4-6
Ps. 150:1-3
Zadok the Priest……………..………………George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
2 Sam. 7:8, 12-16
Is. 7:10-14
Is. 38:9
Must I Go Through the Gates of Death…………………...…..….Nathan Richard
Hear Our Prayer, O Lord……………..……………….…….……Nathan Richard
Page 2
Hezekiah Program Notes
Tonight, we will embark on a musical journey through the life of one of Judah’s greatest rulers,
King Hezekiah. We will examine Hezekiah’s actions and thoughts, as well as witness his
transformation from a zealous but prideful King into a humble servant of God. This is a man who
loved the Lord, and ultimately learned to fully place his trust in God.
Hear Our Prayer, O Lord………………………………………..George Whelpton (1847-1930)
Hezekiah inherits the throne upon the death of his father, Ahaz. He immediately sets into action
a period of repentance and revival by returning to the ways of the Lord. Led by their king, the
men and women of Judah cry to YHWH for forgiveness of their many past sins.
The first verse, sung by the people of Judah, is an intimate prayer to the Lord (from Ps. 143:1),
followed by a verse that acknowledges their current sinful state. The last verse is a desperate plea
for forgiveness, mercy, grace, redemption, and deliverance.
George Whelpton composed this tune, and the choir will reflect the differences of each verse’s
text through changes in their dynamics and tone color – without changing the harmonies, in order
to preserve Whelpton’s original intention of tonal simplicity.
Return to the Lord…..………………………………………..…………………..Nathan Richard
After cleansing the temple in Jerusalem, Hezekiah sends out an invitation for repentance to the
10 Northern Tribes of Israel (2 Chron. 30:1, 10-11). In essence, he is offering salvation to these
people who have yet to acknowledge God as the True and Living God.
Through the music, the composer extends this invitation to each member of the audience,
utilizing the language of music to reflect both:
1. Hezekiah’s call to the nation of Judah and Israel to return to the worship of
YHWH, and,
2. God’s call to us; a call to love and worship Him.
The music is tantalizing and sweet, drawing us closer. It begins with the mysterious, still small
voice of God, calling out to us. It beckons, and we are drawn in by curiosity and desire - wanting
to hear more! God truly does draw us closer to Him with His song. Why should we want to draw
near to God? For the very reasons laid out in this invitation.
In the first line (“Return to the Lord, all you people”), listen for the musical emphasis (word
stress) that has been intentionally placed on the word “all”, demonstrating the intent of
Hezekiah’s invitation: that all can partake in worshipping the Lord. This concept is also echoed
in the New Testament; we can all come to the Lord Jesus – Ro. 10:12-13, Gal. 3:26-29.
Assyrian Invasion……………………………………………...………….………Nathan Richard
King Hezekiah next faces a military challenge in the form of the great Assyrian army. This piece
describes the likely taunts of Assyrians in contrast to the prayers of those residing in Jerusalem.
Page 3
It is noteworthy that though the Assyrians yell directly at the inhabitants of Jerusalem, they
receive no response (Is. 36:21). Instead, the men and women of Judah immediately turn to God
in prayer, deflecting the insults and blasphemy. This foreshadows Jesus Christ’s response to his
accusers, where instead of defending himself against false accusations, he remains silent (Mark
14:61, 15:5).
The snare drum accompanies the warlike chants of the Assyrians. The piece races towards a
furious climax in which the Assyrian chants have turned to shouts, while the prayers of the
faithful reach a similarly fervent tone.
Give Thanks...….………………...………………………………………….……Nathan Richard
With a beautiful text that Hezekiah himself might have sung (or even authored), the choir
performs Ps. 136 as it may have been sung in the times of the Psalmist. Structured in call-and-
response form, individual sections express each cry of gratitude, followed by a refrain of praise.
Listen for word painting, where the composer sets lines such as; “To the one who remembered us
in our low estate”, with a descending melodic contour, so as to better musically reflect the text.
Hear My Prayer……………………………………...……………… Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
In the midst of the Assyrian invasion, King Hezekiah is stricken with a deadly illness (Is. 38:1-3).
The intense pain and desperation of the news of this illness is compounded by the fact that at this
point in time, it still appears the Assyrians will overthrow Jerusalem. The music reflects this
deep sorrow through its use of Doctrine of Affections motifs (various Baroque era composition
techniques used to convey emotions), as well as dark timbral colors, expressive dynamics, and
full counterpoint.
Widely regarded as the most competent composer at setting the English language, Henry Purcell
takes his text from Ps. 102:1. In a Psalm almost certainly written by Hezekiah himself, Hezekiah
describes the feelings of pain and hopelessness that his afflictions bring.
Zadok the Priest……………………………………………George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Composed for the coronation of George II (and sung at every subsequent English coronation),
Handel takes his text from 1 Kings 1:38-40, the story of King Solomon’s coronation. In the
context of Hezekiah, this directly follows his recovery from his illness and Jerusalem’s
deliverance from the Assyrians (both of which occur nearly simultaneously). Before this
deliverance, the continuing existence of the kingdom, as well as the life of its king, were severely
threatened. God’s deliverance brought a revival of hope on both a personal and national level. In
a sense, this period following deliverance truly was an additional coronation and celebration of
Hezekiah, as his (and Judah’s) life had been extended.
However, this piece also hints at the pride that remained in Hezekiah. 2 Chron. 32:25 reveals that
Hezekiah “gave no return for the benefit he received, because his heart was proud.” The pride
felt at his “2
nd
coronation” is reflected through lines such as “God save the King” - an admittedly
inflammatory proclamation that the women and men of Judah may have shouted in praise of
Page 4
Hezekiah (Pr. 27:21, thereby further testing Hezekiah – would he defer the praise to God?). The
complete repentance of his pride did not occur until after God further tested his heart through the
Babylonian envoys (2 Kings 20:12-19). It is only then that Hezekiah repents of his deep-seated
pride, realizing how far he is from the true Immanuel. He realizes his time on Earth is short and
outside of his control. Therefore, he humbly accepts the blessing graciously and undeservedly
granted to him for the rest of his life.
Must I Go Through the Gates of Death……………………………….……..….Nathan Richard
This composition is the very centerpiece of Hezekiah. Based on Is. 38:9-20, Hezekiah reflects on
his recent experiences. Hezekiah demands that God answers for the rejection of His promises
(“Did you not say, God is with us?”). Stressing his faithfulness, he emphatically pleads for his
life, following a pattern in Psalms that he was intimately familiar with (Ps. 6, 17, 21, 25, 27, 34,
42, 61, 71, 77, etc.). As H.A. Whittaker suggests (Isaiah, p. 2) the Psalms are “astonishingly
relevant to the complex events of Hezekiah’s reign”, and Hezekiah turns to them for support and
guidance. However, in Hezekiah’s mind, God has “broken [his] bones” - forsaking his promises!
His pleas culminate with a literal cry of “You promised me!” Following this, Hezekiah finally
internalizes the lessons of God in true humility.
This aria is technically presented out of chronological order, as it should theoretically follow the
despair of his illness, expressed by Purcell’s Hear My Prayer. However, the Bible presents
Hezekiah’s inner struggle in this order, with Is. 38:9-20 occurring after both his and Jerusalem’s
deliverance (Is. 38:9).
This piece epitomizes the tension and fear felt by Hezekiah. His hope and faith are challenged,
and he does not know the answer to a question that many of us have asked in dark times – “Will
we make it?” I wrote this piece while a close friend, Graham Stevens, lay unconscious in a
hospital bed, dying. Just as I did not know if Graham would live past the day (he did not),
Hezekiah fearfully cries to his God. It is a desperate plea by a person whose will and pride have
been broken down, leaving him to call for mercy from our omnipotent God.
Hear Our Prayer, O Lord…………………………………………….…….……Nathan Richard
Thanks be to God! Will we, like Hezekiah, put our trust in Him – no matter how big our
questions? God will work out His plan, and let us humbly embrace that reality in faith and trust.
Amen – “let it be done.”
July 4th,, 2014
GLCBS Senior Choir – directed by Nathan Richard
Piano – Peter Clausen
Snare Drum – Adam Richard
Trumpet – Ethan Anderson
Christo et Regno Ejus
Bradley Fine Arts Center Auditorium – Lakeland College
Friday, July 4th 2014
Great Lakes Christadelphian Bible School Senior Choir
2 Chron. 28:1-4
2 Chron. 28:22-25
2 Chron. 29:1-2
Hear Our Prayer, O Lord…….…………………..George Whelpton (1847-1930)
2 Chron. 29:3-6, 11
2 Chron. 30:6
Deut. 30:2-3, 9, 19
Return to the Lord…..………………………........……..Nathan Richard (b. 1993)
2 Chron. 30:10-11
Ps. 76:1, 11-12
Is. 36:1-5,18-20
Assyrian Invasion……………………….……...………….………Nathan Richard
2 Kings 19:35
Give Thanks...….………………...……………..…………….……Nathan Richard
2 Kings 20:1-3
Ps. 102:1-4
Hear My Prayer…………………..…...……………… Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Is. 38:4-6
Ps. 150:1-3
Zadok the Priest……………..………………George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
2 Sam. 7:8, 12-16
Is. 7:10-14
Is. 38:9
Must I Go Through the Gates of Death…………………...…..….Nathan Richard
Hear Our Prayer, O Lord……………..……………….…….……Nathan Richard
Page 2
Hezekiah Program Notes
Tonight, we will embark on a musical journey through the life of one of Judah’s greatest rulers,
King Hezekiah. We will examine Hezekiah’s actions and thoughts, as well as witness his
transformation from a zealous but prideful King into a humble servant of God. This is a man who
loved the Lord, and ultimately learned to fully place his trust in God.
Hear Our Prayer, O Lord………………………………………..George Whelpton (1847-1930)
Hezekiah inherits the throne upon the death of his father, Ahaz. He immediately sets into action
a period of repentance and revival by returning to the ways of the Lord. Led by their king, the
men and women of Judah cry to YHWH for forgiveness of their many past sins.
The first verse, sung by the people of Judah, is an intimate prayer to the Lord (from Ps. 143:1),
followed by a verse that acknowledges their current sinful state. The last verse is a desperate plea
for forgiveness, mercy, grace, redemption, and deliverance.
George Whelpton composed this tune, and the choir will reflect the differences of each verse’s
text through changes in their dynamics and tone color – without changing the harmonies, in order
to preserve Whelpton’s original intention of tonal simplicity.
Return to the Lord…..………………………………………..…………………..Nathan Richard
After cleansing the temple in Jerusalem, Hezekiah sends out an invitation for repentance to the
10 Northern Tribes of Israel (2 Chron. 30:1, 10-11). In essence, he is offering salvation to these
people who have yet to acknowledge God as the True and Living God.
Through the music, the composer extends this invitation to each member of the audience,
utilizing the language of music to reflect both:
1. Hezekiah’s call to the nation of Judah and Israel to return to the worship of
YHWH, and,
2. God’s call to us; a call to love and worship Him.
The music is tantalizing and sweet, drawing us closer. It begins with the mysterious, still small
voice of God, calling out to us. It beckons, and we are drawn in by curiosity and desire - wanting
to hear more! God truly does draw us closer to Him with His song. Why should we want to draw
near to God? For the very reasons laid out in this invitation.
In the first line (“Return to the Lord, all you people”), listen for the musical emphasis (word
stress) that has been intentionally placed on the word “all”, demonstrating the intent of
Hezekiah’s invitation: that all can partake in worshipping the Lord. This concept is also echoed
in the New Testament; we can all come to the Lord Jesus – Ro. 10:12-13, Gal. 3:26-29.
Assyrian Invasion……………………………………………...………….………Nathan Richard
King Hezekiah next faces a military challenge in the form of the great Assyrian army. This piece
describes the likely taunts of Assyrians in contrast to the prayers of those residing in Jerusalem.
Page 3
It is noteworthy that though the Assyrians yell directly at the inhabitants of Jerusalem, they
receive no response (Is. 36:21). Instead, the men and women of Judah immediately turn to God
in prayer, deflecting the insults and blasphemy. This foreshadows Jesus Christ’s response to his
accusers, where instead of defending himself against false accusations, he remains silent (Mark
14:61, 15:5).
The snare drum accompanies the warlike chants of the Assyrians. The piece races towards a
furious climax in which the Assyrian chants have turned to shouts, while the prayers of the
faithful reach a similarly fervent tone.
Give Thanks...….………………...………………………………………….……Nathan Richard
With a beautiful text that Hezekiah himself might have sung (or even authored), the choir
performs Ps. 136 as it may have been sung in the times of the Psalmist. Structured in call-and-
response form, individual sections express each cry of gratitude, followed by a refrain of praise.
Listen for word painting, where the composer sets lines such as; “To the one who remembered us
in our low estate”, with a descending melodic contour, so as to better musically reflect the text.
Hear My Prayer……………………………………...……………… Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
In the midst of the Assyrian invasion, King Hezekiah is stricken with a deadly illness (Is. 38:1-3).
The intense pain and desperation of the news of this illness is compounded by the fact that at this
point in time, it still appears the Assyrians will overthrow Jerusalem. The music reflects this
deep sorrow through its use of Doctrine of Affections motifs (various Baroque era composition
techniques used to convey emotions), as well as dark timbral colors, expressive dynamics, and
full counterpoint.
Widely regarded as the most competent composer at setting the English language, Henry Purcell
takes his text from Ps. 102:1. In a Psalm almost certainly written by Hezekiah himself, Hezekiah
describes the feelings of pain and hopelessness that his afflictions bring.
Zadok the Priest……………………………………………George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Composed for the coronation of George II (and sung at every subsequent English coronation),
Handel takes his text from 1 Kings 1:38-40, the story of King Solomon’s coronation. In the
context of Hezekiah, this directly follows his recovery from his illness and Jerusalem’s
deliverance from the Assyrians (both of which occur nearly simultaneously). Before this
deliverance, the continuing existence of the kingdom, as well as the life of its king, were severely
threatened. God’s deliverance brought a revival of hope on both a personal and national level. In
a sense, this period following deliverance truly was an additional coronation and celebration of
Hezekiah, as his (and Judah’s) life had been extended.
However, this piece also hints at the pride that remained in Hezekiah. 2 Chron. 32:25 reveals that
Hezekiah “gave no return for the benefit he received, because his heart was proud.” The pride
felt at his “2
nd
coronation” is reflected through lines such as “God save the King” - an admittedly
inflammatory proclamation that the women and men of Judah may have shouted in praise of
Page 4
Hezekiah (Pr. 27:21, thereby further testing Hezekiah – would he defer the praise to God?). The
complete repentance of his pride did not occur until after God further tested his heart through the
Babylonian envoys (2 Kings 20:12-19). It is only then that Hezekiah repents of his deep-seated
pride, realizing how far he is from the true Immanuel. He realizes his time on Earth is short and
outside of his control. Therefore, he humbly accepts the blessing graciously and undeservedly
granted to him for the rest of his life.
Must I Go Through the Gates of Death……………………………….……..….Nathan Richard
This composition is the very centerpiece of Hezekiah. Based on Is. 38:9-20, Hezekiah reflects on
his recent experiences. Hezekiah demands that God answers for the rejection of His promises
(“Did you not say, God is with us?”). Stressing his faithfulness, he emphatically pleads for his
life, following a pattern in Psalms that he was intimately familiar with (Ps. 6, 17, 21, 25, 27, 34,
42, 61, 71, 77, etc.). As H.A. Whittaker suggests (Isaiah, p. 2) the Psalms are “astonishingly
relevant to the complex events of Hezekiah’s reign”, and Hezekiah turns to them for support and
guidance. However, in Hezekiah’s mind, God has “broken [his] bones” - forsaking his promises!
His pleas culminate with a literal cry of “You promised me!” Following this, Hezekiah finally
internalizes the lessons of God in true humility.
This aria is technically presented out of chronological order, as it should theoretically follow the
despair of his illness, expressed by Purcell’s Hear My Prayer. However, the Bible presents
Hezekiah’s inner struggle in this order, with Is. 38:9-20 occurring after both his and Jerusalem’s
deliverance (Is. 38:9).
This piece epitomizes the tension and fear felt by Hezekiah. His hope and faith are challenged,
and he does not know the answer to a question that many of us have asked in dark times – “Will
we make it?” I wrote this piece while a close friend, Graham Stevens, lay unconscious in a
hospital bed, dying. Just as I did not know if Graham would live past the day (he did not),
Hezekiah fearfully cries to his God. It is a desperate plea by a person whose will and pride have
been broken down, leaving him to call for mercy from our omnipotent God.
Hear Our Prayer, O Lord…………………………………………….…….……Nathan Richard
Thanks be to God! Will we, like Hezekiah, put our trust in Him – no matter how big our
questions? God will work out His plan, and let us humbly embrace that reality in faith and trust.
Amen – “let it be done.”
July 4th,, 2014
GLCBS Senior Choir – directed by Nathan Richard
Piano – Peter Clausen
Snare Drum – Adam Richard
Trumpet – Ethan Anderson
Christo et Regno Ejus
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