The King of Love My Shepherd Is

Sacred Hymn Written by Henry Williams Baker (1821-1877)

Aug 9, 2008 Tel Asiado

Notes on the hymn "The King of Love My Shepherd Is" text by Henry W. Baker, based on the Shepherd Psalm, of an ancient Irish melody.

Henry Williams Baker wrote "The King of Love My Shepherd Is," a sacred hymn based on Psalm 23 of the Holy Bible, a chapter loved by Christians all over the world known as "The Shepherd Psalm." This hymn is considered the most beautiful rendition of the Twenty-Third Psalm.The music is said to have originated from an ancient Irish melody.

In particular, verse four of Psalm twenty-three is being reflected: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Hymn-writer Henry Williams Baker

"The King of Love My shepherd Is" was written by Reverend Sir Henry Williams Baker, born on May 27, 1821, in London. He was the oldest son of a Vice-Admiral in the British Navy. He atatended Trinity College, Cambridge, and was ordained in 1844 at the age of 24. After serving as an assistant pastor for several years, in 1851, Henry Baker became the vicar of Monkland, Herefordshire. That same year, he was knighted and became a baronet, upon his father's passing away.

Henry Baker and "The King of Love" Hymn

Henry Baker worked on a book of hymns that would reflect the grandeur of majestic worship. The first edition was published in 1861, entitled Hymns Ancient and Modern. On the British Isles, it was known by its initials: H.A. and M. because he had labored for many years and so earnestly over every hymn, editing, amending and deleting words, some called it Hymns Asked for and Mutilated. Eventually, it became the leading hymnbook in the Anglican church, going through many revisions and selling over 150 million copies. "The King of Love My Shepherd Is" didn't appear until the 1868 revision, in the appendix. Baker wrote many other lesser known hymns.

When Henry Williams Baker passed away in 1877, his friend, John Ellerton, reported that his last words were from this poignant hymn:

"Perverse and foolish oft I stayed,

But yet in love He sought me,

And on His shoulder gently laid,

And home, rejoicing, brought me."

Trivia

"The King of Love My Shephed Is" was sung at the fun­er­al of the late Di­a­na Spencer, Prin­cess of Wales, in West­min­ster Ab­bey, Lon­don, Sep­tem­ber 6, 1997.

Words of "The King of Love My Shepherd Is"

1. "The King of love my Shepherd is,

Whose goodness faileth never;

I nothing lack if I am His,

And He is mine forever.

2. Where streams of living water flow

My ransomed soul He leadeth;

And where the verdant pastures grow,

With food celestial feedeth.

4. In death's dark vale I fear no ill

With Thee, dear Lord beside me;

Thy rod and staff my comfort still,

Thy cross before to guide me.

5. And so through all the length of days,

They goodness faileth never.

Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise,

Within Thy house forever."

Words and Music:

Cyber Hymnal

Source:

Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV), Hodder & Stoughton, London, 2001

Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan, Thomas Nelson, Tennessee, 2003

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The King of Love My Shepherd Is