CHRISTIAN LIFE >> FAITH & TRUST
SDAH 520
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
That shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand.
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For Worship Leaders
Make each hymn more meaningful with these helpful tools: Short, ready-to-use hymn introductions for church bulletins, multiple ways to introduce a hymn based on your worship theme and in-depth history and insights to enrich your song service.
Hymn Spotlight: He Hideth My Soul
First published in Finest of the Wheat, No. 1 (1890), this comforting hymn was written by Fanny J. Crosby, who often crafted her texts to match melodies already composed—a method she used here as she shaped her words around William James Kirkpatrick’s tune. Crosby’s text celebrates Christ as both refuge and Redeemer, echoing Moses’ experience of being sheltered in “the cleft of the rock.” Kirkpatrick, a prolific gospel composer, wrote the melody in 1890, giving the hymn its warm, flowing character. Together, their collaboration produced a hymn cherished for its assurance that in every trial and danger, Christ hides His children safely in His love.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
This hymn first appeared in the Finest of the Wheat, no. 1, 1890. Fanny Crosby (1820-1915; see Biographies) wrote the words to fit the tune, which had already been written, a normal practice for her.
The tune was composed in 1890 by William James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921; see Biographies).
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Text
1
A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
A wonderful Savior to me,
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
Where rivers of pleasure I see.
Refrain
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
That shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.
2
A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
He taketh my burden away,
He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved,
He giveth me strength as my day.
3
With numberless blessings each moment He crowns,
And filled with His fullness divine,
I sing in my rapture, Oh, Glory to God
For such a Redeemer as mine.
4
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.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Isa 9:6; Ex 33:22 (b) Ps 16:8; Deut 33:25 (c) Eph 3:19 (d) 1 Thess 4:17 (r) Isa 32:2
Author
Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915)
Metrical Number
11.8.11.8.Ref.
Composer
William J. Kirkpatrick (1838-1921)
Theme
FAITH AND TRUST
