This edition was prepared by Wilfrid Jones — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
At first in Eden
Staff Notation • Sacred, Hymns
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At first in Eden by Wilfrid Jones — Lyrics
At first in Eden Adam walked in friendship
with God who made him priest to rule the earth,
the garden temple hosted perfect worship
of Him who brought creation to its birth.
But with our fall, our sin demanded bloodshed,
and Adam’s kingly priesthood fell away
’til God’s own Son, the fullness of the Godhead,
rose in a garden early Easter Day.
Along the ages God prepared His people,
and through Melchizedek His priesthood flowed,
old Abraham and Isaac made oblation,
and upon Levi priesthood was bestowed.
Eleven tribes received a land inheritance,
but Aaron’s sons received the best reward,
since they foretold the truth of God’s benevolence:
The Priest who grace to humankind restored.
Christ took his place as Priest and Spotless Victim
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About At first in Eden
This SATB anthem, At first in Eden, sets an English text that begins by painting a scene of prelapsarian perfection in the Garden of Eden, where Adam served as priest to God. The lyrics then describe the fall and its consequences, the subsequent preparation of God’s people for a new priesthood, and finally, the restoration of priesthood through Christ. The music reflects this narrative arc, moving from themes of creation and original innocence to the sacrifice and ultimate redemption offered by Jesus, the ultimate High Priest. This is a powerful and moving reflection on the biblical narrative of priesthood and atonement, suitable for a choir looking for a musically and theologically rich anthem.
