Bach adapted the opening chorus for the Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum section of the Mass in B minor, a composition which is widely hailed as one of the greatest in musical history.

[3][4] On this basis, the instruments can be assumed to be those specified in the other works including oboes d'amore, trumpets and timpani.

He has been assumed to be a minister of religion, deducted from the text "Herr, fange an, und gib den Segen / auf dieses deines Dieners Haus" (Lord, begin and pronounce your blessing / on this, your servant's house).

[1] The piece is scored for four solo voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and a four-part choir.

[8] Part II opens with a sinfonia which is adapted from the prelude of the partita for violin solo in E major, BWV 1006.

[3] The following tenor recitative ends with a choral statement from a litany "Erhör uns, lieber Herre Gott" (Hear us, dear Lord God).