We rode into town the other day,
just me and my Daddy.
He said I'd finally reached that age,
and I could ride next to him on a horse that of course was not quite as wide
We heard a crowd of people shouting and so we stopped to find out why
There was that man that my dad said he loved,
but today there was fear in his eyes
So I said Daddy why are they screaming?
Why are the faces of some of them beaming?
Why is he dressed in that bright purple robe?
I bet that crown hurts him more than he shows
Daddy please can't you do something?
He looks as if he's going to cry
You said he is stronger than all of those guys...
Daddy please tell me why, why does everyone want him to die?
Later that day the sky grew cloudy and daddy said I should go inside
Somehow he knew things would get stormy, boy was he right
But I could not keep from wondering if there was something that he had to hide
So after he left I had to find out, I was not afraid of getting lost
So I followed the crowds to a hill where I knew men had been killed
And I heard a voice come from a cross:
And it said: Father why are they screaming?
Why are the faces of some of them beaming?
Why are they casting their lots for my clothes??
This crown of thorns hurt me more than it shows
Father please can't you do something? I know that you must hear my cry
I thought I could handle a cross of this size,
Father remind me why,
why does everyone want me to die.
When will I understand why?
My precious Son, I hear them screaming.
I'm watching the face of the enemy beaming
but soon I will clothe you in robes of my own.
Jesus this hurts me more than you know But this dark hour I must do nothing.
I've heard your unbearable cry—the power in your blood
destroys all the lies, soon you'll see past their unmerciful eyes.
Look there below see the child trembling by her father's side.
Now I can tell you why, she is why you must die.
"Do You Hear What I Hear" by Nichole Nordeman is a beautiful and thought-provoking song that explores the themes of suffering, sacrifice, and the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ. The lyrics take us on a journey through the eyes of a child witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus, questioning why everyone wants him to die and pleading with her father to do something.
The song begins with the child and her father riding into town, where they encounter a crowd of people shouting. The child's innocence and curiosity lead her to ask her father why there is so much commotion. Her father explains that they are witnessing the crucifixion of a man whom he loves. However, the child notices fear in her father's eyes, which adds to her confusion and concern.
As the child observes the scene, she becomes increasingly troubled by what she sees. She questions why the people are screaming and why some of them seem to be happy about the man's suffering. She also wonders why the man is dressed in a purple robe and wearing a crown of thorns. The child's innocence and compassion shine through as she empathizes with the man, recognizing that the crown must be causing him immense pain.
In her desperation for answers and for someone to intervene, the child pleads with her father to do something. She cannot understand why this man, who her father said is stronger than his adversaries, is being subjected to such cruelty. She cries out, asking her father why everyone wants him to die.
The song then shifts to a different perspective, as the child recalls the voice of Jesus coming from the cross. Jesus, in a moment of vulnerability, addresses his Father, asking why the people are screaming and why they are casting lots for his clothes. He acknowledges the physical and emotional pain he is experiencing, expressing that the crown of thorns hurts more than it appears.
In response to Jesus' cry, the Father speaks, assuring his Son that he hears the screams and sees the joy of the enemy. The Father acknowledges the immense suffering Jesus is enduring but reminds him that he must do nothing in this dark hour. He assures Jesus that his blood, shed on the cross, will ultimately destroy all the lies and bring redemption.
This song beautifully captures the heart-wrenching reality of Jesus' crucifixion and the profound love and sacrifice demonstrated by both Jesus and the Father. It reminds us of the depth of Jesus' suffering and the ultimate purpose behind his death on the cross - to bring forgiveness and redemption to all who believe in him.
The themes explored in "Do You Hear What I Hear" align with various scripture verses that highlight the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. One such verse is Isaiah 53:5, which says, "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds, we are healed." This verse speaks directly to the physical and spiritual suffering Jesus endured on the cross for the sake of our salvation.
Another scripture that resonates with the song's theme is John 3:16, which states, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." This verse emphasizes the sacrificial love of the Father, who willingly sent his Son to die for our sins, so that we may have eternal life through faith in Jesus.
In conclusion, "Do You Hear What I Hear" by Nichole Nordeman is a powerful and introspective song that invites listeners to reflect on the immense suffering and sacrificial love of Jesus. Through the eyes of a child, the song explores the confusion, empathy, and longing for redemption that arises from witnessing the crucifixion. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate purpose and significance of Jesus' death on the cross, offering hope and redemption to all who believe in him.
