Playback speed:
When I first heard this song, I was immediately struck with that “far kingdom” as I already knew it was not far. What is one’s eternal kingdom, as we all die. Where do we all go?
The lyrics of “Far Kingdom” contain deep Biblical narratives and themes that resonate with various aspects of the Christian faith. Here are some key points where the lyrics align with Biblical narratives:
Album: Fire and Stone (Released January 6, 2015)
Bible Connection Verses:
Verse 1: “There is a far kingdom, A ways from here, Beyond the storm and the sea, There will be no need of darkness, And none for tears, When that far kingdom I see”
- Revelation 21:4 (NIV): “‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
- Revelation 22:5 (NIV): “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.”
Chorus: “There’s a river we will know, Ever clear and ever full, From the fount that overflows, In the light of the King, And when we drink it we will find, That this joy, ever full, will ever rise, And it’ll rise on, in the kingdom, In the kingdom”
- Revelation 22:1-2 (NIV): “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”
- Psalm 36:8-9 (NIV): “They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”
Verse 2: “There is a far kingdom, On the other side of the glass, And by a faint light we see, Still there is more gladness, Longing for the sight, Than to behold or be filled, by anything”
- 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV): “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
- Psalm 16:11 (NIV): “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Bridge: “There is a far, far kingdom, There at the end of the sea, Where they know my name, And until that far, far kingdom, Calls me home, Oh, my soul, I will wait”
- John 14:2-3 (NIV): “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
- Revelation 3:12 (NIV): “The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.”
Review: “There Is a Far Kingdom” is a beautifully poetic song that speaks to the Christian hope of an eternal kingdom with God, free from sorrow and pain. The lyrics are rich with biblical imagery, referencing the river of life in Revelation, the absence of tears in the new creation, and the ultimate fulfillment of joy in God’s presence. The song captures the essence of Christian eschatological hope, encouraging believers to long for and anticipate the coming kingdom where they will experience the fullness of God’s glory and joy. This song can bring great joy to Christians as it resonates deeply with the promises found in Scripture, providing comfort and a reminder of the eternal hope we have in Christ.
Biblical themes, providing a rich tapestry of Christian hope and the promise of eternal life in God’s presence.
