The following link takes you to the PDF file that discusses the hymn. This is a quick read, and can be very helpful for second language speakers.
Hymn – 005 High on a Mountain Top
This hymn commentary is a help prepared for those who might find it interesting to read an explanation of the text of some of our beloved hymns. The text for this hymn came from churchofjesuschrist.org. Specifically, it came from this list of hymns.
How many hymns finally end up in this series will depend on whether this is something you find useful. Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think.
This is one of my favorite hymns.I love the message in the hymn from where we can find the Church of Jesus Christ.
I’m glad we got to one of your favorites right off the bat.
Thank you.. i believe is is just as important to consider the teachings of our hymns so we really understand what we are singing. Hymns are prayers and a deep form of worship
The writing of explanations for the hymns has really helped me gain a better appreciation for the depth of thought that has gone into the wording and subject selection of our hymns.
The fun thing about this hymn for me is that Joel Hills Johnson is my Great-Great Grandpa. Because of that relationship, I’ve spent some time studying his life. He was a good friend of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He served as a stake president and stake patriarch several times. He was called by Brigham Young to create several settlements in southern Utah. He published many hundreds (some say over 700) hymns or poems in a book called “Songs of Joel.” Sometimes this hymn is called “High on THE mountain top.” It was written about the time of the start of the Salt Lake Temple and hymn celebrates construction of that temple. It also looks forward to the millennial temples in Zion and Jerusalem. As one reads/sings the words, much of the temple doctrine is learned.
Joel Hills Johnson had received all of the temple ordinances In Nauvoo or in Salt Lake City including his second anointing before his death in 1882. He very much loved the doctrine of temple covenants.
The other fun thing for me, is that for seven years now I’ve served at the Salt Lake Temple. On Fridays I serve at the recommend desk where I have witnessed the gathering of the whole world into the Salt Lake Temple, fulfilling the prophecies in Isaiah 2, and in this hymn.
Sam,
Thanks for the great comments. My great, great grandfather was the first president of the Logan temple. Many of our best family stories come from his service in the Lord’s house. I wasn’t aware that this hymn had an alternate name attached to it. That’s wonderful! I appreciate your input.
Where is the pdf link?
It is the blue link right under the hymn.