Olney Hymns · Chapter
Zaccheus explained
The poem recounts the story of Zaccheus, who climbed a tree to see Jesus and was surprised when Jesus called him down, revealing his power and knowledge.
What happens
The poem recounts the story of Zaccheus, who climbed a tree to see Jesus and was surprised when Jesus called him down, revealing his power and knowledge. It illustrates how the gospel can reach sinners unexpectedly, bringing conviction and then joy when Jesus becomes their guest.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional peak occurs in stanza V, where the speaker’s hope is violently extinguished as Satan obscures ev…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Grace and Unmerited Favor
Jesus' willingness to dine with Zaccheus, a sinner, demonstrates unmerited favor.
- Human Sinfulness and Depravity
Zaccheus's long-forgotten faults and secret thoughts are brought to light, showing human sinfulness.
Characters to notice
- Zaccheus
Climbed the tree to see Jesus, was called down, and received Jesus into his home.
- Jesus Christ
Called Zaccheus by name, revealing his divine knowledge and grace.
Key passages
“I Zaccheus climb’d the tree, And thought himself unknown; But how surprised was he When Jesus call’d him down!”
Zaccheus climbed the tree thinking he was hidden, but was astonished when Jesus called him down.
Highlights Jesus' omniscience and personal call.
“The word directly speaks to them, And seems to point them out by name.”
The preached word speaks directly to sinners, as if naming them personally.
Illustrates the convicting power of the gospel.
