Tenzi Za Rohoni Book 38
Tenzi za Rohoni Book 38: A Book of Hymns, History, and Culture
Tenzi za Rohoni, which means "Spiritual Songs" in Swahili, is a collection of Christian hymns that are widely used in East Africa. The hymns are sung in Swahili, the lingua franca of the region, and reflect the diverse influences of African, Arabic, and European cultures. Tenzi za Rohoni Book 38 is one of the most popular and beloved books in the series, containing 100 hymns that express various themes of faith, hope, love, praise, and worship.
tenzi za rohoni book 38
In this article, we will explore the origin, content, and significance of Tenzi za Rohoni Book 38, and how it has shaped the spiritual and musical heritage of East African Christians.
The Origin of Tenzi za Rohoni Book 38
The first edition of Tenzi za Rohoni was published in 1932 by the Church Missionary Society (CMS), a Protestant missionary organization that operated in East Africa since the 19th century. The CMS aimed to spread the gospel and educate the local people in Swahili, which was considered a common language for communication and trade. The CMS also encouraged the development of indigenous Christian literature and music, and supported the translation and publication of hymns from English and other languages into Swahili.
The original Tenzi za Rohoni contained 150 hymns, mostly translated from English hymnals such as Hymns Ancient and Modern and The English Hymnal. Some of the hymns were also adapted from Arabic sources, such as the Qasida (a form of Islamic poetry) and the Sufi (a mystical branch of Islam) traditions. A few hymns were composed by African Christians, such as Joseph Ngala (a Kenyan pastor) and Simeon Lwakatare (a Tanzanian evangelist).
Over the years, Tenzi za Rohoni expanded to include more hymns from various sources and genres. The CMS published several revised editions of the hymn book, adding new hymns and removing some old ones. The latest edition of Tenzi za Rohoni was published in 2017 by the Bible Society of Tanzania, and contains 260 hymns divided into 10 books. Tenzi za Rohoni Book 38 is one of these books, containing 100 hymns that were selected from previous editions.
The Content of Tenzi za Rohoni Book 38
Tenzi za Rohoni Book 38 covers a wide range of topics and themes related to Christian faith and life. The book is divided into six sections:
Section 1: Mwanzo (Beginning) - This section contains hymns that celebrate the creation of the world and the human race by God.
Section 2: Wokovu (Salvation) - This section contains hymns that proclaim the gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Section 3: Maisha ya Kikristo (Christian Life) - This section contains hymns that guide Christians on how to live according to God's will and commandments.
Section 4: Ibada (Worship) - This section contains hymns that praise and worship God for his attributes and deeds.
Section 5: Maombi (Prayer) - This section contains hymns that express various forms of prayer, such as confession, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and adoration.
Section 6: Mwisho (End) - This section contains hymns that anticipate the second coming of Christ and the final judgment.
Some of the most popular and beloved hymns in Tenzi za Rohoni Book 38 are:
Tenzi No. 1: Mungu Baba Yetu (Our Father God) - This hymn is based on Psalm 8, which praises God for his majesty and glory as the creator of all things.
Tenzi No. 10: Yesu Kwetu ni Rafiki (Jesus is Our Friend) - This hymn is based on John 15:15, which declares that Jesus calls his followers his friends.
Tenzi No. 20: Ninaye Rafiki (I Have a Friend) - This hymn is based on Proverbs 18:24, which states that there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Tenzi No. 38: Twende kwa Yesu (Let Us Go to Jesus) - This hymn is based on Hebrews 4:16, which invites us to approach the throne of grace with confidence.
Tenzi No. 77: Msalabani pa Mwokozi (At the Cross of the Savior) - This hymn is based on Galatians 6:14, which boasts in the cross of Christ as the source of our salvation.
Tenzi No. 100: Tuonane Bandarini Kule (Let Us Meet at the Harbor There) - This hymn is based on Revelation 21:1-4, which describes the new heaven and the new earth that God will create for his people.
The Significance of Tenzi za Rohoni Book 38
Tenzi za Rohoni Book 38 is not only a book of hymns, but also a book of history and culture. The hymns reflect the experiences and struggles of the Swahili-speaking Christians in East Africa, who have faced colonialism, oppression, poverty, war, and persecution. The hymns also express the hopes and joys of the Swahili-speaking Christians in East Africa, who have witnessed God's grace, mercy, power, and love. The hymns are a testimony of the faithfulness of God and the resilience of his people.
Tenzi za Rohoni Book 38 is also a book of art and beauty. The hymns showcase the richness and diversity of Swahili language and literature, which have been influenced by various cultures and traditions. The hymns also demonstrate the creativity and skill of Swahili music and poetry, which have been shaped by various forms and genres. The hymns are a tribute to the talent and inspiration of Swahili composers and translators.
Tenzi za Rohoni Book 38 is a book that has touched the hearts and souls of millions of Christians in East Africa and beyond. The hymns have been sung in churches, gatherings, and personal devotions for decades. The hymns have been used to teach, preach, pray, praise, and worship God. The hymns have been used to comfort, encourage, challenge, and inspire Christians. The hymns have been used to celebrate, commemorate, mourn, and rejoice with Christians. The hymns have been used to share the gospel and spread the kingdom of God.
Tenzi za Rohoni Book 38 is a book that deserves to be read, studied, sung, and cherished by all who love God and his word.