Till We Build Jerusalem

The poet William Blake was inspired to recount the ancient English legend of Christ visiting the Isle and establishing a Christian community there.  This poem was later set to music which has almost become the national anthem of Britain.  It is sung at royal events, concerts, and sporting events.  It seems that a wide array of people join in sing it, be they religious, worldly, atheist, or patriot.  Whether they understand its meaning, or comprehend that they are really repeating a yearning prayer, is questionable.  

Two things are important for understanding.  First, did Christ really visit the British Isles.  And second, what does it mean to build Jerusalem.

Christ certainly foretold visits to other people and other lands.  John, quoting the savior said "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd (Jn. 10:16)."  

Later Christ, speaking to disciples on the American continent, expands on his earlier statement: "I have other sheep, which are not of this land, neither of the land of Jerusalem, neither in any parts of that land round about whither I have been to minister.  For they of whom I speak are they who have not as yet heard my voice; neither have I at any time manifested myself unto them.  But I have received a commandment of the Father that I shall go unto them, and that they shall hear my voice, and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be one fold and one shepherd; therefore I go to show myself unto them (3 Ne. 16:1-3)."  England was likely one of those places, and early Englishmen some of those other sheep.  

What does Blake mean to build Jerusalem?  Is he suggesting that a replica of Jerusalem be constructed in England.  Not at all.  I suggest that he was referring to establishing a community where Christian values and culture would dominate society, in other words a Zion.  Two such societies are mentioned in scripture.  The first was one established by the prophet Enoch.  "And the Lord called (this) people ZION, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them (Moses 7:18)."  After a long period of time that group was taken up to heaven.

The second example were the American Christians following the resurrection of Christ.  They were some of His "other sheep" and he appeared to them, taught them, and healed their sick.  For two hundred years these people maintained a Zion society and lived in peace and love and harmony (4 Nephi).

This is what Blake means by building Jerusalem.  It must have been a Zion in England.

Blake's poem is as follows:

Jerusalem by William Blake

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountain green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among those dark satanic mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green an pleasant land.

So we are left to consider the question, will the English descendants of Ephriam chose Jerusalem, or the Dark Satanic Mills.  It is a question worth considering.  One with eternal consequences. 

A Google search for Jerusalem the hymn gives many results.  Several are listed below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rT1HEXNI9c4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKRHWT6xdEU