CHRISTIAN LIFE >> MEDITATION AND PRAYER
SDAH 479
Be silent, be silent, A whisper is heard;
Be silent, and listen, Oh treasure each word.
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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: Tread Softly
Written by the prolific blind hymn writer Fanny J. Crosby, this reverent hymn draws from Habakkuk 2:20: “But the Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him.” Crosby captures the awe and quiet reverence appropriate when entering God’s presence, whether in worship or personal devotion. The tune, composed by William Howard Doane, gently supports the text’s call for a hushed heart and mindful approach to the Lord. Together, words and melody remind us that worship is not just song and speech, but also a stillness before the Almighty, where His voice can be heard most clearly.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
These words were written by Frances Jane Crosby (1820-1915), and are based on Habbakkuk 2:20: “But the Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.”
The tune, sometimes called TREAD SOFTLY, was composed by William Howard Doane (1832-1915).
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Text
1
Be silent, be silent, A whisper is heard;
Be silent, and listen, Oh treasure each word.
Refrain
Tread softly, tread softly, The Master is here;
Tread softly here, tread softly here,
Tread softly, tread softly, He bids us draw near.
Tread softly here, tread softly here,
2
Be silent, be silent, For holy this place,
This altar that echoes The message of grace.
3
Be silent, be silent, Breathe humbly our prayer;
A foretaste of Eden This moment we share.
4
Be silent, be silent, His mercy record;
Be silent, be silent, And wait on the Lord.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(r) Hab 2:20
Author
Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915)
Metrical Number
6.5.6.5.Ref.
Composer
Wiliam H. Doane (1832-1915)
