God Has Spoken by His Prophets

“God Has Spoken by His Prophets” is a doctrinally rich hymn written by George Wallace Briggs in 1952. The hymn traces the unfolding revelation of God from the Old Testament prophets to its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the living Word. Briggs, known for his strong emphasis on biblical theology and careful language, crafted this hymn to help congregations understand the unity of Scripture and the continuity of God’s revelation.

The hymn opens by affirming that God has spoken clearly and purposefully through His prophets, grounding divine revelation in history rather than human imagination. It emphasizes that God’s word was not delivered in fragments or confusion, but as a steady and faithful witness to His truth and character. This establishes the authority of Scripture and the reliability of God’s communication with humanity.

As the hymn progresses, the focus shifts from prophetic proclamation to fulfillment in Christ. Jesus is presented as the ultimate expression of God’s word, not merely another messenger, but God’s final and complete revelation. This reflects the teaching of Hebrews that God, who spoke in times past through the prophets, has now spoken fully through His Son. The incarnation is shown as the moment where God’s message becomes personal, visible, and redemptive.

Another important theme of the hymn is the ongoing role of God’s word in the life of the church. The hymn does not treat revelation as a closed historical event only, but as a living word that continues to speak through Scripture by the power of the Holy Spirit. It calls believers to listen, respond, and obey, recognizing that God still addresses His people through the written Word.

The tone of the hymn is confident, reverent, and instructional. It is especially suitable for services emphasizing Scripture, preaching, teaching, and the authority of the Bible. Through its careful structure and biblical depth, “God Has Spoken by His Prophets” helps congregations confess their faith in a God who speaks, reveals Himself faithfully, and calls His people to attentive obedience.