GOD THE FATHER >> POWER OF GOD IN NATURE
SDAH 98
Can you count the stars that brightly
Twinkle in the midnight sky?
Can you count the clouds, so lightly
O’er the meadows floating by?
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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: Can You Count the Stars?
This beloved children’s hymn was written by Wilhelm Hey (1789–1854), a German court preacher known for his Tales for Children (1833, 1837). Originally titled Weißt du, wieviel Sternlein stehen? (“Do you know how many little stars there are?”), the hymn reflects on God’s watchful care over creation. The English translation used in SDAH was made by H. W. Dulcken for Songs of Praise (1933).
The melody comes from an anonymous German folk tune, adding to its simple, lullaby-like charm. As we sing, may we be reminded of God’s infinite knowledge and tender love for all His children.
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Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
Stanzas 1 and 3 were written for children, by Wilhelm Hey (1789–1854), the court preacher at Gotha, Germany. His much-loved volumes Fabeln für Kinder (Tales for Children), 1833 and 1837, each containing 50 stories, were translated into English several times. The SDAH translation was made by H. W. Dulcken, especially for Percy Dearmer’s Songs of Praise, 1933.
Johann Wilhelm Hey was born at Leina, Germany, and studied theology at the Universities of Jena and Göttingen. In 1818, he became pastor at Tottelstadt, and in 1827, court preacher at Gotha, attracting large audiences. Because of his Pietist leanings, he was transferred in 1832 to be superintendent of Ichtershausen, 12 miles distant.
The original song of three stanzas in the 1837 edition began “Weisst du, wieviel Sternlein stehen?” (“Do you know how many little stars there are?”).
The delightful tune is derived from an anonymous German folk song. Dr. Henry John William Dulcken (1832–1894), a Londoner, was born in Marylebone and died in Hampstead. He translated several German hymns and songs, which appear in his Book of German Songs, 1856, and in Golden Harp,
Stanza:
1 – Genesis 15:5
Psalm 147:4
Text
1
Can you count the stars that brightly
Twinkle in the midnight sky?
Can you count the clouds, so lightly
O’er the meadows floating by?
God, the Lord, doth mark their number
With His eyes that never slumber;
He hath made them every one,
He hath made them every one.
2
Can you count the wings now flashing
In the sunshine’s golden light?
Can you count the fishes splashing
In the cooling waters bright?
God, the Lord, a name hath given,
To all creatures under heaven;
He hath named them every one,
He hath named them every one.
3
Do you know how many children
Rise each morning blithe and gay?
Can you count their jolly voices,
Singing sweetly day by day?
God hears all the happy voices,
In their merry songs rejoices;
And He loves them, every one,
And He loves them, every one.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Gen 15:5; Ps 147:4
Author
Wilhelm Hey (1789-1854)
Translator
H.W. Dulcken, vs. 1, 3; v. 2, anon.
Metrical Number
8.7.8.7.8.8.7.7.
Tune Source
German Folk Tune
Theme
POWER OF GOD IN NATURE
