Photo by Nikko Macaspac
Ah yes, Oceans. That song which dominated Christian radio station airwaves for months and (occasionally) still runs on some stations. Congregations all over the world sang Hillsong UNITED’s Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) as part of worship to our most Heavenly Father and King. As far as two years since its initial release, it still showed up as Billboard’s top Christian song. That’s some serious staying power!
Insofar as I know, this song is meant to be poetic in nature, brimming with metaphors. I will keep that in mind.  Though there are multiple radio versions, I will review the original.
Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site! Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review. I strongly encourage you to consider the potential blessings and dangers of this artistâs theology by visiting Resources.
1. What message does the song communicate?
This song is primarily based on the account of Jesus walking on water, in Matthew 14:22-31. Peter asks Jesus that upon command, he will come out onto the water. Upon affirmation, Peter walks on water to meet Jesus. He becomes afraid of the wind and doubts, sinking into the sea. Jesus rescues him and brings him back into the boat. She takes this incident and applies it to her own walk with Christ, in poetic fashion.
There are other sub-themes including trusting in God, following His leading, and spiritual growth.
One of my major concerns is that this song transforms a historical account into a metaphorical overtone. For those who are not familiar with the historical account, it can confuse people into thinking that this event never occurred. Much like speaking about the “giants of our life” when referring to the account of David and Goliath. As long as we remember that this account is historical and present it as such, it will quench my concerns considerably.
Score:Â 9/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
All of it! Lyrics posted with permission.*
[Verse 1]
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
This is a direct reference to Matthew 14:28-29, a subset of the entire passage mentioned in section 1. Peter was called out upon the Sea of Galilee by Jesus as an act of faith. How frightening! We are called to the same child-like faith towards “You”, one without any doubting, else, we will sink like Peter did. Since it is revealed later that “You” refers to “Jesus, my God”, we will use Jesus, God, or proper pronouns for all other references throughout this review (also see James 1:6-8).
And there I find You in the mystery
The deep, rich secrets of God are found when we seek God with all our hearts. See Deuteronomy 29:29, Proverbs 25:2, Matthew 13:11-13, Mark 4:11, Romans 16:25, Ephesians 1:9, Ephesians 3:4-5, Ephesians 5:28-32, Colossians 1:25-27, Colossians 2:1-3, and 1 Timothy 3:16.
In oceans deep my faith will stand
Although the original context of the source material takes place in the sea of Galilee and not an ocean, this particular line is more metaphorical, indicating that despite the vastness and depth of water, like Peter standing on water, we will also stand firm in our faith. See 1 Corinthians 16:13, 2 Corinthians 1:24, Ephesians 6:11, Philippians 1:27, Philippians 4:1, Colossians 1:23, 2 Thessalonians 2:15, Hebrews 3:6, Hebrews 3:14, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 6:11, Hebrews 10:23, and 1 Peter 5:9.
[Chorus]
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace
Like Peter, who in Matthew 14:30 called upon the name of Jesus and said: “save me, Jesus!”, we too can rest upon Him when trials and tribulations (allegorically referred to as waves) make haste towards our doorstep. See also 1 Chronicles 16:8, 2 Samuel 22:4, Job 27:10, Psalm 18:3, Psalm 55:16, Psalm 86:5, Psalm 105:1, Psalm 116:2, Joel 2:32, and Acts 2:21.
For I am Yours and You are mine
That is, a connected, personal relationship we have with God. See Acts 17:27, Romans 8:15, John 15:1-11, and Romans 11:16-24.
[Verse 2]
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
This concept is eloquently captured in Psalm 107:23-32.
Your sovereign hand will be my guide
This speaks to two important concepts:
- God’s sovereignty (Genesis 1:1, Deuteronomy 4:39, Deuteronomy 10:14, Joshua 2:11, Nehemiah 9:6, Psalm 29:10, Psalm 45:6, Psalm 50:7-15, Psalm 93:1-2, Psalm 115:3, Psalm 135:6, Isaiah 43:13, Isaiah 45:9-10, Isaiah 46:10, Lamentations 5:19, Daniel 4:35, Romans 9:19-21, Ephesians 1:11, Hebrews 1:8, James 4:15, Revelation 4:11, and Revelation 20:11); and
- His guiding hand (Psalm 32:8, Psalm 37:23-24, Psalm 73:23-24, Psalm 119:105, Isaiah 30:21, Isaiah 48:17, Isaiah 58:11, Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 16:9, Proverbs 20:24, Psalm 25:4-9, Psalm 25:9-10, Luke 1:78-79, John 14:26, John 16:13, and Romans 8:14).
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now
If God is with us, there is no reason to be afraid (Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10-13, Matthew 28:20, 1 John 1:18, and Hebrews 13:5-6. Though some are impatient, God acts on His own timing when He keeps His promises (2 Peter 3:9).
[Bridge]
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever you would call me
That is, the promised Holy Spirit, who guides us. See John 16:13 and John 14:26.
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour
Trials and tribulations stretch the life of a Christ-follower. See Romans 5:3-5, Hebrews 12:4-11, and James 1:2-4.
Note
There are some who have concerns with the Bridges’ six repetitions and its connections with Transcendental Meditation. In truth, those who engage in it meditate for 15-20 minutes per session, twice per day. Six repetitions (though admittedly annoying) does not go on for 15-20 minutes nor is the intent to transcend its original meaning. It does not qualify as Transcendental Meditation.
Oh, Jesus, you’re my God!
The apex of this song, declaring Jesus as God. See Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 43:10-11, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26, John 1:1-3, John 1:14, John 5:17-18, John 8:23-25, John 8:28, John 10:30-33, John 14:9, John 20:28-29, Philippians 2:5-6, Colossians 1:16-19, Colossians 2:8-9, Titus 2:13, 1 Timothy 6:14-16, Hebrews 1:10-12, Revelation 1:8, and Revelation 22:13.
Score:Â 10/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
It’s hard to say. On the one hand, there are subtle hints which point to a relationship with Jesus, trusting in Him, declaring Him as God. On the other hand, a cursory listen may, for some, to think that this is talking about a relationship with a boyfriend however small they may be.
Note
The “boyfriend” interpretation becomes more pronounced with the radio version, which omits “Oh, Jesus, you’re my God!” While it’s something to consider, since I promised to only review the original version, I will not deduct points for lack of mention of Jesus for this version.
Score:Â 8/10
4. What does this song glorify?
God.
Score:Â 10/10
Closing Comments
Though Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) was released almost 6 years ago, its lyrical power is still making waves all over the world. The poetic and harmonious tune produced by Hillsong UNITED continues to be sung to this day. It is Scripturally sound, has an excellent message, and glorifies the Almighty.
Just don’t sing the radio version.
Final score:Â 9.5/10
Artist Info
Track: Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) (listen to the song)
Artist: Hillsong UNITED
Album: Zion
Genre:Â Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), Pop
Release Year: 2013
Duration:Â 8:55
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
*Copyright Š 2013 Hillsong Music Publishing (APRA) (adm. in the US and Canada at CapitolCMGPublishing.com). All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Updates:
02/08/2023 â To remain consistent with the artistâs actual name, I capitalized the word âUnitedâ.
05/07/2021 – Per Artist Theology announcement, I expanded the red text to encourage others to study Hillsong’s theology.
Comments
Lauren
One word: wow. I would have never thought that this song had to do with Peter and Jesus’ encounter on the ocean. You really have a passion for this! I’ll be praying for you.
tastywallet
Thanks, much appreciated!
Amie
This is a great analysis of a truly amazing song! Excellent work (research and scripture references)!
tastywallet
Amie,
Thank you, I appreciate that!
-TastyWallet
worshipissomuchmorethansinging
I struggle when churches sing songs and there is no word in like Jesus, God, Messiah etc.
However, your review and relating this to Peter has made me see this song in a different, positive light.
Maybe there is a story for this song online from the writers. I wish writers would do what you are doing, for their songs. I know you see some on Youtube, explaining them.
However, so many Christians get their Theology from song rather than directly from scripture.
Great work. Thank you đđť
tastywallet
worshipissomuchmorethansinging,
Thank you for your compliments! I appreciate that.
-TastyWallet
Farmer John
To me the comment that ‘so many Christians get their Theology from song rather than diretly from scripture’ highlights the great danger that organisations such as Hillsong, Bethel, Elevation etc are posing to the would -be follower of Jesus today. Satan is not only a robber he is also very clever. Now that the Properity Gospel has been exposed in most of the world, Satan can use music to attract people, mostly young people, into churches that have foundational truths that can once again appeal to greed, avarice and pride. Jesus greatest warning to all the churches before he left earth, His greatest concern for His Church before it even got started, was in Matthew 24v4 ‘Take heed that no man deeives you’ There are warnings throughout the New Testament by all the writers that false teachers will come and deceive many in the church.
Please, please all you young people I beg you for Jesus sake and for your own sakes make sure you are getting the real Gospel of Jesus Christ that demands that you do a 180 degree turn to follow him. Don’t just use Him as an add-on to your old life. I beg you, please read the New Testament for yourselves, seeking truth, and He will show you what he wants you to do.
Finally what a warning this is! Matt 7v22 Â Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 Â And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The group that best fits this description are the Properity Gospel preachers AND those who follow their teaching. Have a look at Costi Hinn on Youtube
Vince Wright
Farmer,
Thank you for your comments!
This is an issue that transcends Hillsong, Bethel, and Elevation Worship. All songs should be subject to Scripture, not the other way around. This isn’t just about the Prosperity Gospel. It’s about songs in general.
-Vince Wright
Jenine
You are spot on. There is no mention of Jesus or Christ in the lyrics, and the addition there of is an afterthought to get people like you off the trail of tbis really being a dodgy song. Please read Revelation 17 and you will see the references in this song. Trust your gut, itâs usually the Holy Spirit giving you warning.
Norm
I would encourage you to listen to the apex of the song. Oh Jesus you are my God, and then read 1 Cor. 23:3. Clearly this song was written for the believer who knows scripture. Anyone who equates this song with Rev 17 is certainly not lead by the same spirit the artist is referring to in this song.
Samantha
Great review! I do find the lyrics repetitive at times, but I’m somewhat surprised that other commenters (and another review I read bashing the song) didn’t see the link with Peter. I tend to find “pop worship” songs overplayed, but Peter was the first thing that came to mind when I first heard this song and I couldn’t see where other people were calling it “unbiblical.”
Vince Wright
Samantha,
Thanks for your thoughts! I almost missed it myself, until I looked at Hillsong’s take on its inspiration. They mentioned the account that was included as part of my review.
-Vince Wright
Ivy
Revelation 17 who is calling upon the water?
jay
Ivy – I was just thinking the same thing (coincidence?). I recently heard someone mention the connection between verse 1 and Rev 17:1, 5-7. Vince, what are your thoughts on the connection?
Vince Wright
Jay,
Great question! I don’t see the connection.
According to Revelation 17, the one who sits on the waters is a “great harlot”. See scriptures below, NASB, emphasis mine:
Revelation 17:1-2: “Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, âCome here, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed acts of immorality, and those who dwell on the earth were made drunk with the wine of her immorality.”
Revelation 17:15: “And he *said to me, âThe waters which you saw where the harlot sits, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues.”
Revelation 17:16 also tells us that this woman will be hated, stripped naked, burned, and eaten by the beast. That doesn’t sound like “And there I find You in the mystery In oceans deep my faith will stand” as Hillsong sings!
-Vince Wright
cv2
The problem with the song is that it can mean anything you like. How does someone even know it is Christian? They don’t.
D. Price
There has been recent spiritual warfare surrounding this song for me when I have sung it in worship. The mention of going deep seems to me to imply going deep into the waters which isn’t scripturally sound. The deep waters also seem to reference the abyss. I am beginning a study on it to get more clarity on why…I had no idea about Revelation 17…
Vince Wright
D. Price,
Thank you for your comment!
Two questions:
1. What makes you think it’s not Scripturally sound?
2. If the deep waters is the abyss, then how is it that “my faith will stand”?
-Vince Wright
Andrew
A couple of your earlier commenters are spot on ie. Ivy and Jay.
Think you should take a look at this video: check out the part between 52:09 – 57:45
but watch the whole thing as it is very helpful for Bereans thirsty for truth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnMpfoxYSFY
I think the Bereans possibly tested things more thoroughly, but in your defence Paul was probably an easier person to test as he was openly preaching truth whereas those who are trying to deceive the church are doing a very good job at it.
On another point I couldn’t find the lyric Jesus is God in the Hillsong original and even if it is there Jesus is just a name and if it is not evidently Jesus Christ of Nazareth, one third of the tri-une God, then it might not be.
Blessings to you. May God lead us all in the truth of His word and may He deliver us from the ravenous wolves.
George
Oceans is a very nice musical song. However, it’s a very obtuse and veiled song. If it takes this much research and effort to know what a song is about, then IMHO it’s not worthy of being sung in a Christian worship service. Read the Psalms, which were songs to God. Are any of them cryptic? Veiled? Do they take a lot of explanation to understand what they are talking about? I don’t recall any. The ones that I recall talk about God’s majesty, authority, goodness, faithfullness, and interestingly enough, they refer directly to God multiple times in the psalms. There is NO confusion about who the psalmist is talking about.
The real problem with Hillsong and all the various modern derivative type worship music, is that they are geared and written for a “worship experience”, which really is code word for an emotional musical experience. There is nothing wrong with being moved by a song in praise and worship to our Father God, Jesus the Christ and Holy Spirit. But, that moving should be at least partly, if not wholly, by the prompting of the Holy Spirit to your spirit. Not just a manufactured emotional musical movement. It’s a subtle distinction, but an important one.
Everyone who goes to a concert for a band they enjoy or love, will be moved by the music. Nothing wrong with that. I loved various non-Christian bands growing up, and I was moved by the concerts, that’s just music. But we have a whole generation of Christians who confuse being emotionally moved by music to being moved by the Holy Spirit. They can coincide certainly. But I find it difficult to believe that a song like Oceans is going to cause the Holy Spirit to move in power. Since is a very weak to non-existent praise to God.
cv2
Thankyou for writing this. I am in total agreement. Smoke, dimmed lights and lighting, drum crescendos, crowd singing without leads, synthesizers all create an atmosphere and emotional feeling that people can mistake for the “presence of the Holy Spirit”. Can Holy Spirit be with us when we worship? Certainly, but let’s not confuse the 2. We don’t actually need any of those things and can have the presence of the Holy Spirit in our room – dry as dry can be. Infact I think the Holy Spirit is probably even more so with us when we don’t feel good, when we are stepping out in faith to do service in his kingdom, he acts as a “comforter”. He is there to help in our circumstances, yes, but our Lord told us not to concern ourselves with our daily lives. That we are worth more than sparrows and the very hairs on our head are numbered – but to be concerned with the kingdom of God. This should be our main focus, but for some reason most people I talk to, their main focus is whatever circumstance is difficult in their lives currently. And all the preaching is geared towards helping you through “difficult circumstances”. Our main focus, if we are believers, should be the kingdom. Sidetracked a bit, but I agree with the main narrative that this song could be sung to any God you want and you wouldn’t know the difference. No mention of Jesus. No mention of God the Father. No mention of what spirit is being worshipped. This is NOT a good example of a song that we should be using in worship. Whatever happened to sticking with the Bible? If we don’t stick to the Bible we end up LOST.
Tara
THANK YOU! FINALLY someone who said something about the most troubling part that my discernment couldnt ignore when I first loved the song. Its like I snapped out of a daze and was led to ask, “Why do they say Spirit instead of HOLY SPIRIT!??” It was very telling that I started to do research on their teachings and beliefs. Its sad, to me, in a way because the song is a beautiful one. The evil ones know what pulls us in, and I pray to the ONE TRUE GOD, creator of Heaven, Earth and everything in between that Jesus Christ leads us away from muse-ic that isnt praising HIS holy name. Thank you! God bless us, and may Christ have mercy on us. đđđ˝
Reece Stamm
The original version of the song literally says “Jesus, you’re my God”. The article even states that & mentions that even though the version played on the radio usually omits that part it is in the original version. Did you read the whole article or listen to the whole (original) song?
Sarah Kenne (@sarah_kenne)
Thank you
Neal Cruco
“On another point I couldnât find the lyric Jesus is God in the Hillsong original and even if it is there Jesus is just a name and if it is not evidently Jesus Christ of Nazareth, one third of the tri-une God, then it might not be.”
Andrew,
I am not sure what release of the song you are looking at, but I bought the song from Hillsong’s Oceans EP, and the line “Oh Jesus, you’re my God!” is definitely included. Look at track 2 from (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EWS7IZQ/). (Incidentally, that version is also marked “Radio Version”, which also leaves me wondering which radio version Vince heard…)
Furthermore, while the name “Jesus” is by no means unique, the idea that any song would declare “Jesus is God” without meaning Jesus of Nazareth strains credulity past the breaking point. There is simply no reasonable alternative.
Vince Wright
Neal,
There’s more than one radio version? This is news to me! I did some research and, yes, there’s more than one. It was this one, if I recall correctly. The version I heard repeated Bridge four times, which is fine with me.
-Vince Wright
Neal Cruco
“Thereâs more than one radio version? This is news to me!”
You may have forgotten, but it seems that you knew this when you posted the review. From the introduction:
“Though there are multiple radio versions, I will review the original.”
In any case, the version that you posted also includes the line “Oh Jesus, you’re my God!”. Skip to 3:35.
Vince Wright
Neal,
Well, now I’ve made a fool of myself! It seems that I forgot.
-Vince Wright
David
This is song is full of occultism !!!!!!! Do some real research please. Hillsong is so far of base it is so scary. Do not be deceived. Satan is not trying to destroy the church, heâs joining it.
Vince Wright
David,
Thank you for your comment!
How is this song full of occultism?
-Vince Wright
David
Hi Vince ! Thank you for responding. This is the simplest video from Spencer Smith to take a look at what type of occultism Hillsong is involved in. If you have more time watch the one called Third Adam which directly references âOceansâ. God bless you brother and I hope this helps. I pray that Holy Spirit fills you to overflowing! https://youtu.be/hJ8OTEaWrIo
Neal Cruco
David,
I believe Vince’s question was “How is this song (that is, “Oceans”) full of occultism?” Hillsong’s unbiblical teachings are known. (https://www.gotquestions.org/Hillsong-Church.html) Vince’s “Evaluation Criteria” page says:
“Also, a high score does not necessarily endorse the theology of said artist. For example, Hillsong is well-known for promoting the Word of Faith and New Apostolic Reformation movements, both of which are unbiblical in my view. They also received many high scoring reviews, some of which are 10/10. We should all do our own due diligence to examine the theology of artists.”
The question is not where you can find unbiblical teachings of Hillsong, but where you can find unbiblical lyrics of this song. I don’t see any.
Mimi in Texas
The better question should be, if they do not have biblical teachings and promote NAR then WHY would a BIBLE TEACHING CHURCH want anything to do with any of their music?
Because as much as we would like to say we know… we actually have no idea what the ârealâ message us behind their songs, especially if those writing them do not know the Lord, and therefore do not know what His truth really is?
In these last days…..
Mimi from Texas
Vince Wright
Mimi,
Thank you for your comments!
While there is a time and a place to discuss NAR, Hillsong church, their agenda, and similar issues, my reviews are about the examination of lyrics as they are stated. My reviews are not about artists. There’s other websites for that purpose.
Please don’t misunderstand. We should do our due diligence and research artists’ teachings and compare them to Scripture. A good Berean does that. My point is that The Berean Test analyzes lyrics, not artists. Your question is a good one and it deserves a response, but it’s part of a conversation outside the scope of The Berean Test.
I’m asking you to stick to the topic. If you find NAR in the song Oceans, I’d like to know about it. Similarly, if the “real” message is something other than what I stated in my review, then I’d like to know about that too.
-Vince Wright
racefangurl
There are those who believe this song’s based on Revelation 17, not the verses you use. That’s what that Third Adam video says.
Vince Wright
racefangirl,
Thank you for your comment!
I saw the video, at https://youtu.be/lnMpfoxYSFY?t=3045. I noticed he only talked about the first Verse and didn’t address Chorus, Bridge, or the statement “Oh Jesus, My God” that’s found in the radio version. I can see where he’s going with it though. I just don’t agree with his conclusion.
-Vince Wright
Marva L Taylor
When you get it right….you get it right! We do not always agree, but, when we do; we do it in a major way. GREAT JOB! I pray our Father continues to increase your faith and wisdom! -May our Father surround you and your family with love!
Vince Wright
Marva,
I am glad that we can agree on at least one review! đ
-Vince Wright
Chiamaka
Isaiah 43:2
Came to my mind when I first heard this song. Then later I began to relate it with Peter’s encounter with Christ.
I love the song it’s soul lifting.đ
Bella
On the occult concern, when I first heard this beautiful song and joined in I really enjoyed it. Next time, willing to get absorbed in the worship going on, I really really enjoyed it, and fell into the Bridge section. I mean I felt myself slipping into a hypnotic state during the repetitions. I had to make a strong effort to snap out of it and now I refuse to sing it, although the musician in me wants to. It feels enchanting.
I feel itâs a dangerous song, however itâs justified. At that stage I hadnât seen Spencerâs warning, but I have since, and his scene of the Hindu deity floating on the water, all dreamy and enticing has wrecked any likelihood I will change my mind!
I have just left a zoom meeting at my church and left them to sing Oceans and Reckless without me, rather sad. I got here by searching again to see whether Iâm right to be suspicious. I think so.
Muhammad Ibn-Raqib
What Spirit? The Holy Spirit? đ¤ˇđžââď¸ Itâs interesting that it says they call out his nameâŚBut Jesusâ name isnât mentioned at all. This sounds pagan to me.
Neal Cruco
Muhammed,
If you reread the lyrics, you will find that it does actually mention Jesus’ name and declares Him as God. As Vince noted, not all versions of the song include this line, which is unfortunate. But the original version does.
Nevertheless, if your conscience prohibits you from singing this song, don’t.
Steve Barhydt
I find it truly sad that so many work so hard to find something wrong (i.e. occultic) with this song.
With all due respect, most (if not all) of you need to take some basic lessons in proper hermeneutics and the two differing methods of hermeneutics (exegesis and eisegesis)
**********************Begin quote******************
Exegesis and eisegesis are two conflicting approaches in Bible study. Exegesis is the exposition or explanation of a text based on a careful, objective analysis. The word exegesis literally means âto lead out of.â That means that the interpreter is led to his conclusions by following the text.
The opposite approach to Scripture is eisegesis, which is the interpretation of a passage based on a subjective, non-analytical reading. The word eisegesis literally means âto lead into,â which means the interpreter injects his own ideas into the text, making it mean whatever he wants.
Obviously, only exegesis does justice to the text. Eisegesis is a mishandling of the text and often leads to a misinterpretation. Exegesis is concerned with discovering the true meaning of the text, respecting its grammar, syntax, and setting. Eisegesis is concerned only with making a point, even at the expense of the meaning of words.
The process of exegesis involves 1) observation: what does the passage say? 2) interpretation: what does the passage mean? 3) correlation: how does the passage relate to the rest of the Bible? and 4) application: how should this passage affect my life?
Eisegesis, on the other hand, involves 1) imagination: what idea do I want to present? 2) exploration: what Scripture passage seems to fit with my idea? and 3) application: what does my idea mean? Notice that, in eisegesis, there is no examination of the words of the text or their relationship to each other, no cross-referencing with related passages, and no real desire to understand the actual meaning. Scripture serves only as a prop to the interpreterâs idea.
https://www.gotquestions.org/exegesis-eisegesis.html
*****************End quote**************
These two methods are also very important when analyzing lyrics to see if they line up with the Word of God.
Vince has given an excellent EXEGESIS of the lyrics to this song; one with which I agree wholeheartedly and could add very little additional scriptural support.
The naysayers, on the other hand, have taken Revelations 17 and âinjected it intoâ this song.
They have done so for the following reasons (in my opinion at least)
1) Itâs a Hillsongs song!
As a long time contributor to this wonderful website, I never cease to be amazed at the length that the âanti-Hillsongsâ, âanti-Bethelâ, âanti-whateverâ critics will go to to discredit a song simply because of the authorâs (or those associated with them) âcontroversialâ teachings.
I understand that these people believe that they are somehow âprotectingâ the church from bad doctrines (and in some cases the doctrines ARE bad).
I would say to this group that, by resorting to bad interpretive practices (especially when you are mishandling the Bible yourselves to make a point that you are in violation of 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
The Young’s Literal Translation (YLT) gives the following…
Be diligent to present thyself approved to God — a workman irreproachable, rightly dividing the word of the truth;
You are NOT “irreproachable” if you are mishandling the Word of God.
However, the strength of this website is to let each and every song stand on itâs own.
2) The song does have a âmysticalâ sound to it. To be honest, the first time that I heard it on the radio I didnât care for it either. But then I actually listened to the words!
So letâs look at Revelation 17 and compare it to the lyrics of this song to see if EXEGETICALLY there are any similarities.
Rev. 17:1-5 (KJV)
1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Verse 1 of this song
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep my faith will stand.
SimilaritiesâŚ
The words âwatersâ and âmysteryâ is used in both. Thatâs it! No more!
By the way, I did listen to the video âThird Adam – Missionary Spencer Smithâ https://youtu.be/lnMpfoxYSFY?t=3045. It is a perfect example of EISEGESIS with more logical fallacies than I want to take time explaining.
The only reason that I mention it here (this is, after all, NOT a review to Spencerâs video đ) is that it is used by several people in the comments to portray the song âOceansâ as not a Christian song.
To sum Spencer’s video up (at least as it relates to the song in question.)
âOoh look Revelations 17 says âwatersâ, ooh this song says âwatersâ.â
âOoh look Revelations 17 says âmysteryâ, ooh this song says âmystery.â
Now show a number of scary pictures of false gods sitting on âwatersâ. (Accompanied by spooky sounding music)
Conclusion (Two direct quotes from the video) â
âAlmost word for word Hillsong is describing the whore of Revelation 17 and calling this worship. Thatâs weird.â (No, brother, itâs not weird. Your statement is a LIE!)
âThereâs a song that Hillsong wrote talking about âI want to find you in the Great Unknown, in the mystery.â And itâs so similar to Revelation 17 that itâs really scary.â
DifferencesâŚ
1) Is the harlot âcallingâ out upon the waters? Nope, sheâs sitting on them.
2) What do the âwatersâ represent?
In the Bible…
Rev 17:15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
In the song…
âThe great unknown where feet may failâ
(By the way, if you go back to Vince’s correct interpretation of this song as being Peter’s experience with walking on the water with Jesus, you will quickly realize that there are many “great unknowns in life where are steps may stumble and fall. You don’t need some fallacious esoteric explanation.)
3) What is the purpose of the harlot as compared to the purpose of venturing out into the waters within the song?
In the Bible…
Rev 17:6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
In the song…
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
4) What is the result?
In the Bible…
Rev. 17:16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
In the songâŚ
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever you would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour.
I would say that the juxtaposition of the words ‘Spirit’, ‘faith’ and ‘saviour’ make this song strongly Christian even without the ‘Oh, Jesus, youâre my God!’ in the outro.
It should be obvious to anyone who does not already have a predisposition against this song (or it’s songwriters) that Revelation 17 and the lyrics (and therefore the meaning) of this song have absolutely NOTHING in common.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, I beg you to be better than this. Rise above these petty and childish attempts to demean and degrade our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Confronting teaching error should be done in love with great humility.
Ephesians 4:1-3, 14-15, 25-27, 29-32
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Yes, Hillsongs has teachings that I disagree with but they DO NOT teach another Gospel other than âChrist and Him crucified.â
david
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