Bach scored the work for three vocal soloists (alto, tenor, bass), a four-part choir and a Baroque instrumental ensemble of two oboes d'amore (Oa), two violins (Vl), viola (Va) and basso continuo.

[4] Julian Mincham observes: "The richness of the text, the unobtrusive nature of the melodic ideas and the gently flowing rhythms combine to create an appropriate atmosphere of dignified restraint".

[9] In the alto aria, "Ich will doch wohl Rosen brechen" (I will yet indeed pluck roses),[1] the voice is accompanied by the strings and a violin obbligato in virtuoso figuration, which may illustrate the heavenly light promised as the final fulfillment.

[10] In the chorale, "Und was der ewig gültig Gott in seinem Wort versprochen hat" (And whatever the eternally merciful God has promised with His word),[1] the unadorned cantus firmus in the soprano is embedded in a trio of the two oboes d'amore and the continuo.

[3] Gardiner suggests that the oboes' music may illustrate the "stratospheric circling of the angelic host" which the hymn text refers to.

[9] In a short tenor recitative for tenor, "Gott macht es nicht gleichwie die Welt, die viel verspricht und wenig hält" (God does not do as the world does, that promises much and upholds little),[1] the musicologist Julian Mincham notes "a moment of harsh severity in the melody at the mention of the world′s failings".

[9] The closing chorale, "Die Hoffnung wart' der rechten Zeit" (Hope awaits the right time),[1] is set for four parts.