On Jordan's Stormy Banks

  

Samuel Stennett, writer of this hymn, was born in England in 1727. He came from a heritage of Baptist pastors; his father and grandfather were both in the ministry. As Baptists, they did not conform to the Church of England, so he was not allowed into normal universities. Nonconformists were seen as rebels against the Crown and against God.

But Stennett was friends with King George the Third. He used his friendship as best he could to influence the King so that dissenters didn’t get looked down upon as much as they had been.

Stennett had many political opportunities because of his friendship with the King, but instead decided to focus on the ministry, and he wrote many hymns.

At the age of ten he moved to London. His father had become the minister of the Seventh Day Baptist Church over there. He went on to study at the Academy of Mile End, which was a nonconformist school. He received a Doctor of Divinity at King’s College.

Stennett served as an assistant to his father in his congregation in 1747 and assumed the position of pastor upon his father’s death in 1758. He was called as pastor of the Sabbatarian Baptist Church in 1767, a congregation that had been served by his grandfather, but declined the call. While continuing his other position, he preached to the Sabbatarian congregation every Saturday for 20 years. His published works include sermons, pamphlets, and 38 hymns in John Rippon's book: “Selection of Hymns from the Best Authors.” In 1763 he was honored with a D. D. degree by the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. He died in London August 25, 1795.

Rigdon M McIntosh, a Southern musician, added the refrain to this hymn. The refrain rouses joy when sung as we look forward to the Promised Land.

Biblehub.com: The term “Promised Land” generally refers to the specific territory that was pledged by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. According to the historical narratives and covenants recorded in Scripture, it was a physical region in the ancient Near East intended for the nation of Israel. This covenantal promise appears early in the Hebrew Scriptures, illustrating an enduring pledge made between God and His people.

What does the Promised Land mean for Christians?

Christianitytoday.com: This promised land that God gives to all, however, is not a country or land that is temporal, but a land that will last for eternity; a place we can call our eternal home. Consider what the faithful men and women of God believed in: a promised land that is far better than any land in this world . . . Our Promised Land is God's heavenly dwelling place, a place where we will dwell with God . . . This is the promised land for all who believe. Christians from all nations are promised a heavenly home where God dwells with us, and the way for us to enter in is only through Jesus Christ.

When you sing this refrain, sing it loud and clear! We are going!

Verse One

“On Jordan's stormy banks I stand,

And cast a wishful eye,

To Canaan's fair and happy land,

Where my possessions lie.”

Hebrews 4:8-9

"For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God."

Bibledictionarytoday.com: In Christian theology, Canaan is viewed as a foreshadowing of eternal life and the ultimate promise of salvation. Hebrews 4:8-9 discusses a "Sabbath rest" that remains for the people of God, indicating that the promise of Canaan extends beyond earthly boundaries to a heavenly reality. This connection emphasizes the hope of believers in achieving ultimate rest and communion with God . . . Canaan is much more than a historical region; it encapsulates the essence of God's promises and the spiritual journey of His people. From its biblical origins to its modern-day implications, Canaan serves as a symbol of hope, fulfillment, and divine promise. Through the exploration of Canaan, believers are reminded of the importance of faith, obedience, and the pursuit of a deeper relationship with God, making it a pivotal element in the landscape of spirituality and everyday life.

Verse Two

“O’er all those wide extended plains,

Shines one eternal day;

There God the Son forever reigns,

And scatters night away.”

Romans 6:22

“But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.”

Godsbless.ing: This verse offers profound hope and direction, speaking to the transformative power of Christ, the new life of holiness, and the ultimate reward of eternal life. For anyone feeling trapped or hopeless, this verse serves as a reminder that true freedom and eternal life are found in Christ. It calls us to embrace the freedom from sin, the servitude to God, the pursuit of holiness, and the hope of eternal life that Christ offers

Biblerepository.com: One of the most powerful aspects of this verse is the promise of eternal life. It’s not just about how we live now, but it is also about what awaits us in the future. If we devote ourselves to God, the end result is a heavenly reward that lasts forever. This provides us with hope and encouragement during difficult times.

Revelation 19:6

“Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, 'Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.'”

Biblerepository.com: The voice of the multitude in Revelation 19:6 is the response to God’s reign being established. This moment marks the fulfillment of promises God has made throughout Scripture, bringing closure to a tumultuous history of conflict between good and evil. In Christ, we find hope and are reminded that despite the chaos we may experience, God’s ultimate plan is victory. His reign assures us that we can strive for holiness and joy, even in difficult circumstances.

Revelation 22:5

“And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.”

Enduringword.com: Heaven will be a place where the darkness of this age will be forever gone. The light is not artificial, even from the sun – God Himself is the light.

Godsbless.ing: The declaration that 'there will be no more night' signifies the cessation of darkness in all its forms, whether physical or spiritual. Night, often symbolizing sin, fear, and separation from God in biblical imagery, will be banished forever in the eternal light of God’s kingdom. The assurance that believers will not require the light of lamps or the sun underscores the sufficiency of God’s presence as the sole source of illumination, surpassing all other lights in its brilliance and permanence.

Verse Three

“No chilling winds or poisonous breath,

Can reach that healthful shore;

Sickness and sorrow, pain and death,

Are felt and feared no more.”

Isaiah 51:11

“So the ransomed of the Lord will return And come with joyful shouting to Zion, And everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, And sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

Biblehub.com: Isaiah 51:11 speaks of the redeemed of the Lord returning to Zion with joy and everlasting happiness. This verse emphasizes that those who have been rescued from suffering and oppression will experience a profound sense of joy and relief. The imagery of singing and joy signifies a return to a place of safety and celebration, contrasting with the sorrow and sighing of the past. This promise is rooted in God’s faithfulness and His ability to restore and bring hope to His people, even in the midst of trials.

Verse Four

“When I shall reach that happy place,

I'll be forever blest,

For I shall see my Father's face,

And in his bosom rest.”

Revelation 22:4 

“They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.”

Godsbless.ing: We are reminded of the promise that the redeemed will see God’s face and bear His name on their foreheads. It is a picture of ultimate fulfillment and joy, where the faithful are in the presence of their Creator, experiencing His love and glory in all its fullness . . . This verse speaks to the intimacy and connection believers will have with God in the afterlife. The phrase “They will see His face” symbolizes the profound experience of being in the presence of God, seeing Him directly and experiencing His full glory. This vision represents a deep spiritual connection and understanding of God that transcends our earthly limitations. It speaks to a sense of closeness, knowledge, and communion with the divine that is beyond human comprehension.

Refrain

“I am bound for the promised land,

I am bound for the promised land;

Oh, who will come and go with me?

I am bound for the promised land.”

Who will go with you? God’s invitation is to everyone who believes. Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Biblerepository.com: “To everyone that believeth” opens the door for inclusivity. It emphasizes that the gospel is available to all who believe, irrespective of their past or identity. Think of this as a loving invitation, extending grace to every heart that is eager and willing to respond. As followers of Christ, we can help create an unbroken circle of believers who reflect this grace and hope.

Again, who will go with you?

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

LukePowellMinistries.com

Umcdiscipleship.org

En.wikipedia.org

pioneergirl.com

thescottspot.wordpress.com

whiteestate.org

"Now I Belong to Jesus"

 

Norman John Clayton was born in Brooklyn, NY, the 9th of 10 children. He gave his heart to Jesus at age six at the South Brooklyn Gospel Church. He was musically inclined, and became church organist at age 12, and also played trumpet. He remained an organist for the rest of his life.

When young he first worked on a dairy farm, then held an office job in NYC. Clayton entered the building trades industry, working for his father’s construction business, and during the depression, with a commercial bakery. He married Martha Adaline Wistendahl, and they had two children.

In the early 1940s, Jack Wyrtzen invited him to be an organist with NYC “Word of Life” rallies. For 15 years he provided music, was organist, vibraphonist, director of the inquiry room, and radio evangelist. He created his own publishing house, and from 1945-1959 he published 30 of his own songbooks. His company was eventually purchased by the Rodeheaver Company, and he joined them as a writer/editor, providing other songs during that period. He died at Carmel, NY.

Clayton stated: “I feel it is vitally important that every song I write be biblically based.” He had the habit of writing the music before the words. He made it a lifelong practice to memorize Scripture and tried, each time he wrote the words of a song, to be sure that its message was clearly biblical.

In 1942 he was working with Jack Wyrtzen's Word of Life organization, providing music for both the radio broadcasts and crusade meetings.  He composed the tune Ellsworth that year and wrote the words for this fine gospel song about a year later. 

Clayton wrote hundreds of hymns and they were singable, musically sweet and tender of sentiment.  They reflected his evangelical emphasis, focused on the saving work of Christ and the relationship with God through Him

This hymn emphasizes the believer's assurance of salvation and eternal belonging to Christ. It reflects his commitment to writing music that is both theologically sound and accessible for congregational singing.  

Lindsay Terry, in his book “Stories Behind Popular Songs and Hymns” (Baker Book House, 1990) recounts the following story: “A missionary named Roy Gustatson was invited to minister at a notorious prison in Jamaica. He sang and preached the gospel that day to a thousand men. But then, a guard asked if he’d meet with a small group of condemned prisoners who were to go to the gallows in a couple of days. The consciousness that this would be the last time these men would hear the gospel gripped him.

"To these men, starkly facing a Christless eternity, Roy gave his personal testimony, and sang Norman Clayton’s song, 'Now I Belong to Jesus.' One man was a condemned killer. He said, 'I’m going to die on Tuesday morning, sir. Can I be saved?' Adding sadly, 'I can’t read.'

"When Gustatson read him some salvation verses from the Word of God, the man bowed his face to the dirt floor sobbing, and called on the Lord to save him. Then, smiling through his tears, he asked for Clayton’s song to be sung again and, with some help, he sang along. As the guard let the evangelist out of the prison, he looked back and saw the man, waving his arms through the bars, still singing, 'Now I belong to Jesus, Jesus belongs to me, / Not for the years of time alone, / But for eternity.'”

Verse One

“Jesus, my Lord will love me forever,

From Him no pow’r of evil can sever,

He gave His life to ransom my soul;

Now I belong to Him.”

Mark 10:45

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Biblerepository.com: The phrase “to give His life a ransom for many” is also crucial. It points to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, where He willingly gave up His life to pay for our sins. This act of love paid the price so we could be free from guilt and shame . . . Furthermore, the word “ransom” implies that Jesus paid a hefty price. His sacrifice was not trivial; it was a life laid down so that we could be free from the consequences of our own mistakes.

Verse Two

“Once I was lost in sin’s degradation,

Jesus came down to bring me salvation,

Lifted me up from sorrow and shame,

Now I belong to Him.”

Luke 19:10

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Biblerepository.com: The phrase “once I was lost” encompasses every person. It serves as an invitation for us to come out of hiding and into the light of Christ’s love. No one is excluded from His call; regardless of our life choices, Jesus is calling us to Himself. Every lost person has value, and this truth should resonate deeply in our hearts.

Godsbless.ing: This verse from the gospel of Luke captures the heart and mission of Jesus Christ as He walked the earth. Jesus’s mission to seek and save the lost speaks to the very essence of who He is and what He stands for . . . It reflects His compassion, love, and unwavering dedication to bringing back those who have strayed away.

Verse Three

“Joy floods my soul for Jesus has saved me,

Freed me from sin that long had enslaved me

His precious blood, He came to redeem,

Now I belong to Him.”

Titus 3:5

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

Enduringword.com: This is the essence and distinctive of the gospel. We can notice the emphasis: of God . . . not by works . . . His mercy . . . He saved us . . . of the Holy Spirit . . . He poured . . . through Jesus . . .  by His grace . . . heirs. God is always the initiator, and we receive from Him before we give anything back.

Studylight.org, Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible: God's unmerited grace is the source of all salvation, and all the good works of a hundred lifetimes could never earn or merit the saving grace of God.

Refrain

“Now I belong to Jesus,

Jesus belongs to me,

Not for the years of time alone,

But for eternity.”

Ecclesiastes 3:11

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Studylight.org, Clarke’s Commentary: God has deeply rooted the idea of eternity in every human heart; and every considerate man sees that all the operations of God refer to that endless duration . . . And it is only in eternity that man will be able to discover what God has designed by the various works He has formed.

Godsbless.ing: The phrase “He has also set eternity in the human heart” delves deeper into the idea of our innate longing for something beyond the earthly realm. It speaks to the human desire for eternity, for something greater and more meaningful than what we experience in this life . . . This verse serves as a comforting reminder that despite the temporal nature of this world, our souls are aligned with eternity and are meant for a deeper spiritual connection with God.

Psalm 93:2

“Your throne was established long ago; You are from all eternity.”

 “There never was a time in which God did not reign, in which He was not a supreme and absolute Monarch; for He is from everlasting. There never was a time in which He was not; there never can be a period in which He shall cease to exist.” (Clarke)

You who are saved. You will always belong to Jesus!

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

DianaLeaghMatthews.com

Hymnoftheweek.net, Jeff Mowery

Barryshymns.blogspot.com

Hymnary.org

By His Grace . . . 

Satisfied

 

George Beverly Shea tells this story about the author of this hymn, Clara Tear Williams, in his book, “Songs That Lift the Heart”:

"My father, the Reverend A. J. Shea, and I were on an afternoon shopping trip for Mother, as I recall. When we came out of a store in Houghton, New York, where we had recently moved from Winchester, Ontario, we met a tall, elderly woman making her way slowly up the street. She was walking in that slow, mincing step older people sometimes do, cautious not to lose balance.

"Dad tipped his hat and said good day to her as we passed. She stopped and looked up to see who was speaking. Smiling sweetly, she returned his greeting.

"'Do you know who that was, son?' he asked me on up the way. I turned and watched as she continued her careful progress. Though a distinguished woman, I had no idea who she was.

"'That,' said Dad, 'was Mrs. Clara Tear Williams. She writes hymns.' There was a near reverence in his voice, and though I was only eight years old, I was duly impressed. Already, I was fascinated by music and anyone who was involved in it . . .

"When Dad and I got home that afternoon, I told Mother about meeting Mrs. Williams, the hymnwriter. She smiled knowingly and nodded her head. Then she went to the piano bench and found a hymnal that contained one of Clara Tear Williams' compositions.

"She explained that Mrs. Williams, a Wesleyan Methodist like us, had written the words, but that the music had been written by Ralph E. Hudson, an Ohio publisher who also was an evangelistic singer.

"A few years later, when I was in my teens and began to sing solos, I memorized the hymn that Mother played that day and sang it. It was entitled ‘Satisfied.’"

George Beverly Shea also said: “She [Williams] had a regal and dignified bearing and yet she had the kindness and gentleness of Christ in her face. I enjoyed the soft, musical tones of her voice. Through her sweetness and graciousness to everyone, she became another wonderful proof to me of the reality of the Christian walk. Hers was a beautiful life exhibited not only to the whole community but expressed also in the pages of hymnody.”

Mrs. Clara Tear Williams, as a young woman, was a schoolteacher. She suffered an attack of tuberculosis but fully recovered from it and for several years engaged in evangelistic work in several North Central states.

Williams said: “I was helping in meetings in Troy, Ohio, where Professor R. E. Hudson conducted the singing, when, just before retiring one night, he asked me to write a song for a book he was preparing to publish. Before sleeping, I wrote ‘Satisfied.’ In the morning, he composed the music."

In 1895 she married the Reverend W.H. Williams, a Wesleyan Methodist minister, and until his death thirty years later labored with him in serving churches in New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. She was a member of the Commission of her church which compiled Sacred Hymns and Tunes, in 1897.

Verse One

“All my life-long I had panted,

For a drink from some cool spring;

That I hoped would quench,

The burning of the thirst I felt within.”

John 4:14

“But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

Enduringword.com: The effect of this water does much more than simply satisfy the thirst of the one who drinks it. It also creates something good, something life-giving in the heart of the one who drinks it. It becomes a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.

Biblerepository.com: Jesus says that if we drink of the water He provides, we will never thirst again. This represents a complete satisfaction that comes not from earthly things but from a relationship with Him. There is an implication that our souls can be filled and fulfilled by Him in a way that nothing else – not achievements, wealth, or even relationships – can ever accomplish. This “well of water springing up” symbolizes the continuous flow of His grace, love, and sustenance in our lives, giving us strength and vitality day by day. This living water becomes a source of life within us.

Verse Two

“Feeding on the husks around me,

Till my strength was almost gone;

Longed my soul for something better,

Only still to hunger on.”

Proverbs 13:19

“A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.”

Bibleoutlined.com: A longing can relate to spiritual desires—ways in which we yearn for a connection to God, as well as emotional and physical aspirations. The fulfillment of such longings is depicted as “sweet,” a metaphor that elicits feelings of joy. We experience this sweetness when we pray for something and see our prayers answered, reinforcing our faith and hope . . .  let us strive to identify and pursue our longings while also remaining mindful of the paths we take to achieve them. Are they leading us toward fulfillment in life, or are they luring us into destructive patterns? . . . Ultimately, by aligning our hearts with goodness and embracing change, we gain access to the sweetness life offers. Let us prioritize wisdom, foster our good desires, and move away from things that bring negativity around us. If we do so, we are sure to find ourselves experiencing a life filled with joy and fulfillment.

Verse Three

“Poor I was, and sought for riches,

Something that would satisfy;

But the dust I gathered round me,

Only mocked my soul's sad cry.”

Psalm 145:16

“You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.”

Studylight.org, Dr. Constable’s Expository Notes: God consistently sustains the fallen, uplifts the oppressed, and provides for all. Therefore, every person looks to God for His provision of his or her needs. Since God’s dominion is everlasting, He cares for His creatures faithfully and lovingly all the time.

Godsbless.ing: This verse serves as a reminder of the abundance and provision that comes from the Lord. It emphasizes the belief that God’s care and generosity extend to all living beings, fulfilling their needs and desires. The reference to “every living thing” shows the universal scope of God’s benevolence, highlighting the idea that no one is overlooked by His care. This verse also underscores the concept of contentment and satisfaction that comes from relying on God for our needs, trusting in His perfect provision for us . . . It encourages us to have faith that God will provide for us, satisfying our true needs and leading us to a place of contentment and fulfillment. This verse ultimately inspires gratitude and trust in God’s constant care and provision for each of us.

Verse Four

“Well of water, ever springing,

Bread of Life, so rich and free,

Untold wealth that never faileth,

My Redeemer is to me.”

Psalm 19:14

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: No prayer can be acceptable before God which is not offered in the strength of our Redeemer or Divine Kinsman, through Him who took our nature upon him, that he might redeem us unto God, and restore the long-lost inheritance.

John 6:35

“Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'”

Bibleoutlined.com: This verse from the book of John carries deep significance, as it encapsulates the essence of Christ’s mission and His invitation to humanity. Here, Jesus refers to Himself as the “bread of life.” This phrase not only symbolizes sustenance but also spiritual nourishment. Just as bread is a fundamental source of physical nourishment for the body, Jesus presents Himself as the fundamental source of spiritual fulfillment for the soul. He assures us that if we come to Him, we will never experience hunger or thirst, not in a physical sense but in a spiritual one. This means that when we accept Christ and believe in Him, our deepest needs for love, meaning, and purpose will be met. In essence, Jesus promises that He alone can satisfy our heartfelt longings in ways that worldly things cannot. The invitation here is open, welcoming all who seek satisfaction and fulfillment in life’s journey.

Refrain

“Hallelujah! I have found Him-

Whom my soul so long has craved!

Jesus satisfies my longings;

Through His blood I now am saved.”

Acts 4:12

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Godsbless.ing: Salvation through Jesus Christ is made possible because He is the only name by which we can be saved. Jesus is our mediator, the one who sacrificed Himself for our sins on the cross, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Through faith in Jesus, we can be redeemed and receive the gift of eternal life. It is by His grace alone that we are saved, not by our own works or merit . . . When we acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Savior, believing in Him and confessing our sins, we receive the promise of salvation. We become children of God by accepting Him into our hearts. This act of faith in Jesus is the foundational step towards salvation, leading us into a personal relationship with God and securing our eternal destiny in heaven. We will continue to seek Him, obey His teachings, and live out our faith in Jesus Christ as we strive to walk in His ways and share the hope of salvation with others.

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

Godtube.com

WordwiseBiblestudies.com

Christianheritagefellowship.com

Bibleportal.com

By His Grace . . .

"He Hideth My Soul"

 

Fanny Crosby is a well-known name in the field of hymn writers. She is considered the hymn queen. She wrote over 9,000 hymns. She didn’t start writing until she was 40 years old.

 
You can read Crosby’s story under the “Blog Archive” on the right side of this blog, in the following hymn studies: November 2023, “Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It;” October 2024, “Blessed Assurance,” and March 2025, “I Am Thine, O Lord."  I’ve included here some facts that may not be remembered as well as her life with blindness.
 
Fanny was given an extraordinary opportunity when she was a teacher. Hoping to bring attention to the Institute where she taught, Fanny was sent with some students to Washington, DC to address Congress. Her stated purpose was to raise money for the school and encourage Congress to incorporate the blind into every facet of society and not dismiss them from public life.

Members in her audience the day Fanny spoke to Congress included John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, and Jefferson Davis, a senator and the future president of the Confederate States of America. In this role, Fanny became the first woman to ever formally address the Senate and Congress.”

Regarding her marriage she wrote: "Some people seem to forget that blind girls have just as great a faculty for loving and do love just as much and just as truly as those who have their sight. When I was about 20, a gifted young man by the name of Alexander Van Alstyne came to our institute. He was also blind and a musician. We soon became very much concerned for each other. . . I placed my right hand on his left and called him 'Van.' From that hour, two lives looked on a new universe, for love met love, and all the world was changed. On March 5 in the year 1858, we were united in marriage. I became a mother and knew a mother's love, but the angels came down and took our infant up to God."

Her love for writing followed her throughout her life and she never seemed to be bothered by her lack of sight. She is quoted as saying, “It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank Him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered to me tomorrow, I would not accept it. I might not have ever sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me." She also once said, “When I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.” She had an ability to craft words, phrases and thoughts so vividly that would allow us to see the Savior so clearly in her songs.”

Crosby was once asked if there was a special hymn written for her conversion experience. She replied: “I would write many hymns to describe the joy of my salvation. The one that stands out the most to me right now is this one, “Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It.”

Fanny had an agreement with publishers to write three hymns a week for use in their Sunday school publications; her hymns were aimed at bringing the message of the Gospel to people who would not listen to preaching. She prayed God over each hymn asking that He would use it to lead many souls to Him.

“He Hideth My Soul” is a hymn that wraps the believer in peace. It’s a song of safety — not because life is easy, but because God is faithful. It reminds us that no matter the storm, no matter the burden, there is a quiet place of refuge in Christ. A place where grace flows freely, and where fear gives way to rest.

This hymn was set to music by William J. Kirkpatrick, a composer and music leader who frequently partnered with Crosby. Together, they created a melody that flows gently and confidently, matching the hymn’s message of assurance.

Verse One

“A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,

A wonderful Savior to me;

He's hiding my soul in the cleft of the rock,

Where rivers of pleasure I see.”

 
Song of Songs 2:14
“My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.”

Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: The church is Christ's dove . . . Christ is the Rock, in whom alone she can think herself safe, and find herself easy, as a dove in the hole of a rock . . . Christ calls her to come boldly to the throne of grace, having a great High Priest there, to tell what her request is. Speak freely, fear not a slight or a repulse. The voice of prayer is sweet and acceptable to God; those who are sanctified have the best comeliness. 

Godsbless.ing: This verse speaks to the tender and intimate nature of love, where the beloved is invited into a space of safety and comfort. When we think about the concept of hiding, it may evoke feelings of secrecy or even concealment, but here it represents something far more profound. It signifies a desire to create a sanctuary—an emotional refuge where love can be nurtured and flourished away from the chaos of the outside world.

Verse Two

“A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord;

He carries my burdens away,

He's holding me up, and I shall not be moved;

He's giving me strength day by day.”

Psalm 68:19
“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.”
 
Studylight.org, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: He enables us to bear it; He gives us strength; and finally He delivers us from it . . . He does not leave us. He enables us to triumph in Him, and through Him; and we have occasion constantly to honor and to praise His name. This accords with the experience of all His people, that however heavy the burden may be laid on them, and however constant their trials, they find Him as constant a Helper, and they daily have occasion to praise and bless Him.
  
Godsbless.ing: This verse beautifully reminds us of the constant presence and care of the Lord in our lives. When we feel weighed down by the challenges and worries of the world, we can find refuge in the knowledge that God is carrying our burdens for us each day. It emphasizes that we are not alone in our struggles, and that the Almighty God is there to support and uplift us.
 

Verse Three

“With numberless blessings each moment He crowns,

And fills with His fullness divine;

I sing in my rapture, oh, glory to God,

For such a Redeemer is mine.”

 
Isaiah 47:4
“Our Redeemer—the Lord Almighty is his name— is the Holy One of Israel.”
 
Godsbless.ing: Here, Isaiah is emphasizing that despite the impending judgment on Babylon, the Lord, who is the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, remains sovereign over all nations. This reaffirms the notion that God is in control of all things and that ultimately His righteousness will prevail. It also highlights the importance of recognizing God as the Redeemer and Holy one, showcasing His divine attributes that set Him apart from all other powers.
 

Verse Four

“When clothed in His brightness, transported I rise,

To meet Him in clouds of the sky,

His perfect salvation, His wonderful love,

I'll shout with the millions on high.”

1 Thessalonians 4:17
“After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
 
Biblerepository.com: In essence, 1 Thessalonians 4:17 encapsulates the heart of Christian eschatology. It talks about the rapture as an event that brings believers together—those who have died and those who remain, culminating in a glorious meeting with Jesus. The significance of clouds highlights the divine nature of this moment. Clouds often symbolize God’s presence, showing that this encounter is not just a mundane gathering but a holy and celestial event. Imagine standing in a group of loved ones, all sharing the awe of witnessing the Lord’s return!

Refrain

“He's hiding my soul in the cleft of the rock,

That shadows a dry, thirsty land;

He's hiding my life in the depths of his love,

And cov'ring me there with his hand,

And cov'ring me there with his hand.”

Biblerepository.com: Being placed in the cleft of the rock symbolizes safety and shelter. Just as God offered physical protection to Moses in a literal cleft of a rock, He also extends that protection to our spiritual lives. Throughout Scripture, we find God serving as a refuge for those who seek Him. Psalms like Psalm 46:1 say, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” God’s gracious act of covering Moses with His hand displays the idea that He cares about our frailties. It reminds us that in His greatness, He still looks after our well-being.

“He Hideth My Soul” is a hymn that wraps the believer in peace. It’s a song of safety — not because life is easy, but because God is faithful. It reminds us that no matter the storm, no matter the burden, there is a quiet place of refuge in Christ. A place where grace flows freely, and where fear gives way to rest.

The strength of this hymn is in its calm certainty. It doesn’t cry out in desperation — it sings from a place of quiet confidence. The title comes from Exodus 33:22, when God tells Moses, “I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand.” That’s the image: God Himself sheltering us.

Psalm 32:7

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble

and surround me with songs of deliverance.”

 
 

I am indebted to the following resources:
DianaleaghMatthews.com
Hishymnhistory.blogspot.com
Scripturetruth.org
Violinhymns.com

 By His Grace . . .