Sonne der Gerechtigkeit
| "Sonne der Gerechtigkeit" | |
|---|---|
| German Christian hymn | |
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Cover of the song book Ein neues Lied, 1932, the first publication
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| English | Sun of justice |
| Text |
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| Language | German |
| Composed | 1467 |
| Published | 1932 |
"Sonne der Gerechtigkeit" (Sun of justice) is a German Christian hymn with a complex history. The image of a sun of justice or righteousness was created by the prophet Malachi. The text was compiled around 1930 by Otto Riethmüller from older stanzas by different hymnwriters, intended as a wake-up call to the church in a Germany facing the rise of the Nazis. Four of its originally seven stanzas were written in the 18th century, two by Johann Christian Nehring, and two by Christian David. The remaining stanzas were taken from Christian Gottlob Barth. An alternative seventh stanza was suggested in 1970, with a strong ecumenical focus. The hymn expresses a call for justice, renewal and unity, within the congregation and church, and among peoples.
The melody was originally a secular song from the 15th century, which was used for a hymn by the Bohemian Brethren in the 16th century. "Sonne der Gerechtigkeit" became part of many hymnals, sung in several Christian denominations and for ecumenical events. It inspired vocal and organ music. With its stress on justice "in unserer Zeit" (in our time), the song has been used with a political meaning in many situations. It was often sung at the peace prayers in East Germany which led to Germany's reunification.
The image "Sonne der Gerechtigkeit" was coined by Malachi, a biblical prophet (). The theme of the hymn is a yearning for justice and unity, within the congregation and church, and among peoples. Otto Riethmüller, who later became a member of the Confessing Church, compiled the text from older stanzas. He published it in the ecumenical song book for young people Ein neues Lied (A new song) in 1932, intended as a wake-up call to the church in a Germany facing Nazi doctrines.
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