The phrase "ten thousand times ten thousand" is a powerful expression found in a well-known Christian hymn, though it's important to clarify which "sparkling hymn" it refers to, as it's not in the classic "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty" by Reginald Heber. The most famous hymn featuring this phrase is **"Revive Us Again,"** with words by William P. Mackay. Here's the history and meaning, arranged for easy reading: ---

The History and Meaning of "Ten Thousand Times Ten Thousand" in "Revive Us Again" 1. **The Calculation:** * Literally, "ten thousand times ten thousand" equals **100,000,000** (one hundred million). * However, in its biblical and hymn context, it's not meant as an exact count. 2. **The Figurative Meaning:** * This massive number signifies an **innumerable, countless, or vast multitude.** It conveys the idea of an overwhelming, immeasurable quantity or a complete totality. 3. **The Hymn:** * The phrase is prominently featured in the hymn **"Revive Us Again."** * **Author:** The words were written by **William P. Mackay** (a Scottish evangelist) in the late 19th century (around 1863-1869). The music is often attributed to John J. Husband. * **The Line:** The hymn proclaims: > "Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! > For His wonderful love, beyond all praise. > Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness! > **Ten thousand times ten thousand, sing His praise!**" 4. **Biblical Origin (The Source of Inspiration):** * Mackay drew this imagery directly from the Bible, particularly from passages describing heavenly worship and the multitudes around God's throne: * **Revelation 5:11 (NIV):** "Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering **ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands**..." (describing the angelic host worshipping God and the Lamb). * **Daniel 7:10 (NIV):** "A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. **Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.**" (describing God's throne room and His attendants). 5. **Meaning in the Hymn's Context:** * When Mackay uses "Ten thousand times ten thousand, sing His praise!" he is invoking this grand biblical vision. * He is calling for a **universal, enthusiastic, and overwhelming expression of praise** for Jesus Christ. It's an aspiration that all people, mirroring the heavenly hosts, should join in giving glory to God. * It emphasizes the **immeasurable greatness of God's love and redemption**, deserving of praise from an unimaginably vast number of voices. --- In summary, "ten thousand times ten thousand" in "Revive Us Again" isn't just a large number; it's a profound biblical metaphor for **limitless, universal, and fervent adoration**, inviting every believer to join an imagined heavenly choir in praising God.