Schütz mentions the elector in the long title: "wie dieselbe auf Anordnung Johann Georgs des Anderen vocaliter und instrumentaliter in die Musik versetzet ist durch Heinrich Schütz" (as set to the music for voices and instruments on an order by Johann Georg the Second).

[3] The text is almost exclusively taken from the Bible in the translation by Martin Luther, quoting both Luke and Matthew, framed by a choral Introduction and Beschluss (Conclusion).

According to the postscript, probably written by Alexander Hering, a Kantor in Dresden, Schütz believed that his work could only be performed well by "fürstlichen Kapellen" (ducal chapels), but he offered a copy of the music for sale on request.

Carus-Verlag published a critical edition using two violins, two violas da gamba, two recorders, two trumpets, two trombones and basso continuo.

Music historian Michael Zwiebach notes: "It has unexpected twists that emphasize particular words, and it shifts tonal centers rapidly to reflect dramatic events.