One speculated contributor is Robert Keene, a close friend
of John Rippon who served as song leader at Carter Lane Baptist Church from 1776-1793.
Some historians believe Keene likely assisted Rippon in preparing his
influential hymnal.
Though the author was unknown, the hymn survived through its
great message. It was especially popular with men who felt the weight of the
world on their shoulders, and many leaders in America chose it as their
favorite hymn. Andrew Jackson requested it be sung at his deathbed,
and Robert E. Lee and Theodore Roosevelt both requested it
be sung at their funerals. During the American Civil War, both Northern and
Southern soldiers could be heard singing it; a testament to how God bridges the
gap between all men.
This is the story shared by Lieutenant-Colonel Curtis Guild,
Jr. of what happened on a Christmas Eve night in 1898 when this hymn was used
to unite a divided American army during the Spanish-American War, a time soon
after the Civil War when tensions between North and South were still high.
“On Christmas eve of 1898 I sat before my tent in the balmy
tropical night [near Havana] chatting with a fellow-officer of Christmas and
home.
“Suddenly from the camp of the Forty-ninth Iowa rang a
sentinel’s call, “Number ten; twelve o’clock, and all’s well!” It was Christmas
morning. Scarcely had the cry of the sentinel died away, when from the
bandsmen’s tents of that same regiment there rose the music of an old, familiar
hymn, and one clear baritone voice led the chorus that quickly ran along those
moonlit fields: ‘How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord!’
“Another voice joined in, and another, and another, and in a
moment the whole regiment was singing, and then the Sixth Missouri joined in,
with the Fourth Virginia, and all the rest, till there, on the long ridges
above the great city whence Spanish tyranny once went forth to enslave the New
World, a whole American army corps was singing.
"The Northern soldier knew the hymn as one he had learned
beside his mother’s knee. To the Southern soldier it was that and something
more; it was the favorite hymn of General Robert E. Lee and was sung at that
great commander’s funeral. Protestant and Catholic, North and South were
singing together on Christmas day in the morning – now that’s an American army!"
Regardless of authorship, we know that this hymn was written by a Christian who was extremely knowledgeable of the promises of God found in Scripture, who had most likely called upon those promises for strength in times of tribulation.
Godsbless.ing: This verse from the Bible emphasizes the significance of Jesus Christ as the foundational cornerstone of our faith . . . He is the unshakable foundation upon which we can build our beliefs, values, and identity as Christians . . . We recognize the importance of His teachings in guiding our actions and shaping our character by acknowledging Jesus as our foundation. This verse serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in our faith and to continually build upon the solid rock of Jesus Christ . . . The foundation of my life’s work is built upon Jesus Christ. He is the cornerstone that holds everything together and gives true meaning and purpose to all that I do . . . Placing my faith and trust in Christ enables me to build a life that will withstand the tests of time and trials that may come my way . . . I seek to build upon the foundation of Christ in all aspects of my life, knowing that He is the solid ground on which I stand. With Him as my cornerstone, I am able to live a life of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment, knowing that my efforts are not in vain but are building towards something eternal and everlasting.
Biblerepository.com: What stands out in this passage is that
Abraham “staggered not.” He did not waver in disbelief. This tells us that
faithful belief is grounded in an active relationship with God. When we
cultivate this relationship, we start to see God’s faithfulness in our lives,
solidifying our trust in Him . . . Abraham’s strength in faith gives glory to
God. It serves as a model for how our faith can positively impact our
relationship with God as well. When we believe, we open the door for His power
to work in our lives. This isn’t about a blind leap of faith; it is about
believing in the character of God. Abraham knew that God was capable of doing
what He promised. He had a relationship with God that went beyond surface-level
understanding. It was mature, filled with trust, and fed by experiences with
God’s faithfulness.
Verse Three
Scripturesavvy.com: The phrase “drew me out of many waters”
has a personal and almost maternal quality. It evokes an image of nurturing
affection, showing that God is deeply involved in our lives. His intent is
always to cultivate hope and restoration. This resonates with Isaiah 43:2,
which promises, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and
through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.” Here we see the continuity of
God’s protective nature seen throughout the Scriptures. Such imagery emphasizes
our identity as beloved children who can approach God without fear of being
overlooked or forgotten.
Godsbless.ing: Psalm 18:16-19 is a powerful passage
that speaks of God’s deliverance and protection, a testimony of His
intervention in times of distress for those who trust in Him. This Psalm,
attributed to David, reflects his gratitude for God’s saving grace and
recognition of God’s power and love. The key phrases in these verses hold
profound meanings that resonate with believers today. “He reached down from on
high and took hold of me” illustrates God’s active involvement in our lives,
showing His willingness to personally intervene to rescue us from harm.
Enduringword.com: Our faith isn’t tested because God doesn’t know how much or what kind of faith we have. It is tested because we often are ignorant of how much or what kind of faith we have. God’s purpose in testing is to display the enduring quality of our faith . . . If gold is fit to be tested and purified by fire, then how much more our faith, which is far more precious than gold? God has a great and important purpose in testing our faith . . . Faith is tested to show that it is sincere faith or true faith. Faith is tested to show the strength of faith. Faith is tested to purify it, to burn away the dross from the gold. Gold is one of the most durable of all materials. Yet it too will one day perish, but our faith will not . . . The end of your faith is the return of Jesus and the ultimate salvation of your souls. Testing and trials are inevitable as long as we are on this side of the end of your faith. As long as we do not see the God we serve we must endure through trials and face them with faith and joy.
Biblerepository.com: We are met with the promise of God’s presence: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” This is a central theme that resonates throughout scripture. Whether it’s in moments of joy or sorrow, God reassures us of His faithful companionship. We can be confident that He guides us through our uncertainties, wrapping us in His love. This steadfastness gives us peace, especially in dark times, sparking hope within our hearts.
Our God will never forsake us. Let us never forsake Him.
