Empires

Theology & Meaning

Empires is a declaration of God's eternal kingdom against the backdrop of the rise and fall of human empires and cultural powers. Drawing on Daniel 2 and the Revelation motif of the kingdoms of this world becoming the kingdom of our Lord, the song declares the eternal superiority of God's reign. It resists both cultural despair and cultural accommodation by anchoring the believer's hope in a kingdom that will never end.

Worship Leadership Tips

Works well in services addressing the relationship between faith and culture, or in contexts where the congregation needs to be reminded of the eternal over the temporal. The corporate declaration quality is powerful when the whole congregation sings it together. Suits a mission-focused service or a series on Daniel or Revelation.

Arrangement Tips

Hillsong United's aggressive, layered production style works well here. Strong rhythm, electric guitar, and synths create the sense of something massive and unstoppable. Allow the dynamics to build throughout the song. The bridge should feel climactic before a final powerful chorus.

Scripture References

• Daniel 2:44
• Revelation 11:15
• Psalm 2:8