Kun saapuu Herra Zebaoth Op. 17 orig. key

Despite its title, the song does not really belong to the group of spiritual songs. Eino Leino’s poem was published for the first time under the title Rukous maan surussa in Uusi Kuvalehti, edited by Juhani Aho, in number 6, 30.3.1899, which was a special issue of the commemoration of Tsar Alexander II, who sympathized with Finland, “Muistojen lehti”. The poetry collection Ajan aalloilla was published just before Christmas 1899. The message of Leino’s text is aimed quite directly at the Russification measures of Nicholas II’s administration, even though it is wrapped in religious vocabulary and the solution is left to the “Lord’s sword”. Apparently, however, the text did not attract the attention of the censorship authorities, which was undoubtedly promoted by performing it in church concerts.