Take Me In

Dave Browning's song 'Take Me In' is a deeply spiritual and evocative piece that draws heavily on biblical imagery and themes of seeking divine presence and purification. The lyrics are a heartfelt plea for a closer, more intimate connection with God, moving beyond superficial worship to a profound encounter with the divine. The song's structure and language reflect a journey from the outer courts of a temple to the innermost sanctum, symbolizing the singer's desire to move from the periphery of faith to its very heart.

The references to the 'outer courts,' 'holy place,' and 'holy of holies' are drawn from the layout of the ancient Jewish temple, where the holy of holies was the most sacred area, accessible only to the high priest once a year. By asking to be taken 'past the brazen altar' and 'past the crowds of people,' the singer expresses a longing to transcend the ordinary aspects of religious practice and enter into a direct, personal communion with God. This journey is not just physical but also spiritual, representing a deep hunger and thirst for righteousness that can only be satisfied in the presence of the divine.

The chorus emphasizes the means by which this access is granted: 'by the blood of the lamb,' a clear reference to the sacrificial system of the Old Testament and, in Christian theology, to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The plea to 'take the coal, cleanse my lips' alludes to the prophet Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6:6-7, where a seraphim touches his lips with a live coal to purify him. This imagery underscores the themes of purification and readiness to serve, as the singer presents themselves before God, seeking both cleansing and a deeper relationship.

The song's rich use of biblical metaphors and its earnest tone make it a powerful expression of faith and devotion. It speaks to the universal human desire for a deeper spiritual experience and the transformative power of divine encounter.