‘Niongoze, Bwana Mungu‘ is the 20th hymn in the Nyimbo za Injili book by Evangel Publishing House in Nairobi, Kenya. The book’s publisher aims for it to be a medium of blessings to individuals and people (congregations) who desire to worship and praise God at home, educational institutions, and churches.
Niongoze, Bwana Mungu Lyrics [Nyimbo za Injili 20]
1 Niongoze, Bwana Mungu,
Ni msafiri chini;
Ni mnyonge, nguvu sina:
Nishike mkononi;
U Mkate wa mbinguni,
Nilishe siku zote.
2 Kijito cha maji mema
Kitokacho mwambani,
Nguzo yako, moto wingu,
Yaongoza nyikani;
Niokoe Mwenye nguvu;
Nguvu zangu na ngao.
3 Nikikaribia kufa,
Sichi neno lolote,
Wewe kifo umeshinda,
Zinawe nguvu zote,
Tutaimba sifa zako,
Kwako juu milele.
Equivalent Hymn (English Translation):
Guide me, O Thou Great (Jehovah)
1 Guide me, O my great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.
2 Open now the crystal fountain,
where the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield,
ever be my strength and shield.
3 When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell’s Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you,
I will ever sing to you.
Background
Composition
The hymn ‘Niongoze, Bwana Mungu’ (‘Guide me, O Thou Great (Jehovah/Redeemer)’) was written by William Williams, a Welsh hymn writer, in 1762. He was born in 1717 in Cefn Coed, Wales.
Initially, Williams was not a religious man. However, after hearing the famous evangelist Howell Harris preach, he experienced a profound conversion. He then dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel through preaching and writing hymns.
Williams became one of Wales’s most prolific and influential hymn writers, penning over 800 hymns in Welsh. He is often referred to as “Williams Pantycelyn,” after the farm where he lived.
General Motivation
William Williams wrote “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah/Redeemer” (originally in Welsh as “Arglwydd, arwain trwy’r anialwch”) during a time of intense spiritual reflection and ministry. He was deeply aware of the challenges and uncertainties of life, and he sought God’s guidance and provision. The hymn reflects his journey of faith, his reliance on God’s strength, and his hope for eternal rest.
The imagery of the wilderness journey, a central theme in the hymn, resonated deeply with his own experience as a traveling preacher. He faced many hardships and obstacles, and he found comfort in the idea that God was leading him through them.
Biblical motivation
The hymn draws heavily from the biblical story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, specifically their 40-year journey through the wilderness. Key verses from the book of Exodus, such as Exodus 13:21 and 16:4, show how God guided His people through the wilderness.
These verses above, along with the overall narrative of God’s provision and guidance during the wilderness journey, are reflected in the hymn’s imagery of the “pillar of cloud and fire” and the “bread of heaven.”
However, the hymn’s message extends beyond the specific context of the Exodus. It speaks to the universal human experience of facing trials and needing God’s guidance. It is about the Christian journey of faith, where people seek God’s direction in their lives.
Popularity
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah/Redeemer” is a hymn that has comforted and inspired people for centuries in many significant events, including funerals, weddings, and national services, demonstrating its enduring power and relevance. Its powerful words and simple melody have made it a favorite in churches around the world. The English translation, which is the version most widely known today, was made by Peter Williams and later revised by others.
Additionally, the hymn’s melody has also evolved, with various composers setting the words to different tunes. One of the most popular tunes is “Cwm Rhondda,” composed by John Hughes in 1907. The phrase “bread of heaven” is often interpreted as a reference to both the manna in the wilderness and the spiritual nourishment found in Christ.
Parting shot
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer” continues to be a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision. It is a hymn that speaks to the heart, offering comfort, hope, and strength to all who sing its words.
