Peace Like a River: Be Jubilant, My Feet Summary & Analysis

Reuben wades to the shore of a river he knows he's crossed. He tells the reader that he has no notion of identity or burden, and no language. He hears a hum and a variety of birds fly up out of tall grasses. He spreads his arms and runs through the meadow. As Reuben enters an orchard he realizes he must appear before "the master," who is aware that Reuben is here.

As he walks through the orchard, the thought "Adam" comes to his mind. Reuben looks across a valley and sees a man dressed as a Spanish knight, running. Reuben begins to hear the "pulse of the country," which he soon recognizes as music. He thinks of the line "O be quick, my soul, to answer Him; be jubilant, my feet!" and he runs forward and sings with the song of the country.

The orchard comes to an end and Reuben spots a man running by a stream. He recognizes the man as Jeremiah Land, and remembers what happened before they found themselves in this country. Dad and Reuben greet each other, notice how strong they both are, and Dad comments that Reuben is as big as he is. Reuben sees that Dad is proud of him, but sees too that Dad knows something Reuben doesn't.

Dad suggests they run and they take off towards the “master.” When they reach a deep spot next to the stream, they see that far beyond the stream is a city. Surrounding the city is a great plain with rivers of people heading towards the city. Dad and Reuben watch and listen. Dad holds Reuben's hand and tells him to take care of Swede and to work for Roxanna. Reuben thinks he wants to join the rivers of people, but Dad tells Reuben to tell Davy about this place. Dad then jumps into the river, singing, and Reuben watches him disappear.