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.
This hymn appears in:
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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.
Stanza:
1 – Isaiah 9:6
Exodus 33:22
2 – Psalm 16:8
Deuteronomy 33:25
3 – Ephesians 3:19
4 – 1 Thessalonians 4:17
R – Isaiah 32:2
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
For Music Ministers
Discover thoughtfully selected choral, instrumental, and keyboard arrangements to help you plan meaningful music for worship, special programs, and other ministry occasions. Some of the links in this section are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission from your purchase at no additional cost to you. Your support helps maintain this website and allows me to continue providing resources for music ministry.
Jerusalem, My Happy Home, arranged by Mark Shepperd: This traditional American melody with 16th century text has been delightfully arranged for SATB choir and piano. Perfect for use during time of introspection and contemplation.
SATB choir (SATB). Sacred octavos. Capital University Choral Series. Sacred. Octavo. Beckenhorst Press #BP2042. Published by Beckenhorst Press (BP.BP2042). UPC: 748769020425. 6.75 x 10.25 inches. SKU: BP.BP2042
Jerusalem, My Happy Home, arranged by Richard Proulx: Scored for men’s voices (AATB) in 1971, this SATB designation for mixed voices loses none of the effectiveness of the original arrangement. “Jerusalem, My Happy Home” may be thought of as a partner piece to Proulx’s “Amazing Grace” from 1973 (G-6389), to which he later added a flute part. Both of these American folk hymn settings are characterized by canonic treatment of the melody and parallel open intervals in the men’s voices.
SATB choir, piano reduction – Early intermediate. Proulx Legacy Series. Tune Name: Land Of Rest. Sacred. Octavo. 8 pages. GIA Publications #G-9053. Published by GIA Publications (GI.G-9053). UPC: 785147905301. 6.75 x 10.25 inches. English. Text Source: F. B. P., 16th c. manuscript., alt. SKU: GI.G-9053
Jerusalem, My Happy Home, arranged by Alice Parker: Choral (SATB) SKU: HL.8765184 Hinshaw Sacred. Octavo. Hal Leonard #HMC595. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.8765184). UPC: 728215004414. 6.75 x 10.25 inches.
Jerusalem, My Happy Home, arranged by James Hopkins: SATB choir, organ. SKU: EC.4942Composed by James F. Hopkins. 21st Century. Octavo. E.C. Schirmer Publishing #4942. Published by E.C. Schirmer Publishing (EC.4942). ISBN 600313449420. UPC: 600313449420. 6.75 x 10.25 inches. Text: F.B.P., 16th-Century.
Songs of Heaven (A collection of 5 hymns and spirituals for String Quartet) by Sharon Wilson String Quartet: These arrangements are straight-forward and suitable for late beginner to intermediate string groups since all notes for all instruments can be played in the first position. An optional repeat is provided for each song in case a longer selection is desired.
String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin – Level 2 – Digital Download. Christian, Folk, Sacred, Spiritual, Traditional. 44 pages. Sharon Wilson #1025815. Published by Sharon Wilson (A0.1445994). SKU: A0.1445994
Jerusalem My Happy Home (3-5 octaves) by Cathy Moklebust: Based on the early American tune “Land of Rest”, this lively and varied arrangement features themes of joy and happiness that are obvious in the introduction and first stanza, with the use of dancing, staccato rhythms. The second stanza is more flowing in style, and the third features a four-part round with flute, cello, optional handchimes, and the singing bell technique. The final stanza is full and glorious and includes a soaring flute descant. Voicing: 3, 4, 5 octaves handbells with optional 3 octaves handchimes, flute, violincello, and percussion.
Handbells – intermediate. SKU: CG.CGB632I Come with Joy to Meet My Lord. Composed by Early American Melody. Arranged by Cathy Moklebust. General, Holy Communion. With 3 octaves handchimes, Flute, Cello, Percussion. General, Holy Communion, Sacred. Handbell Score. 12 pages. Chorister’s Guild #CGB632. Published by Chorister’s Guild (CG.CGB632). UPC: 749193014813. 8.5 x 11 inches.
Jerusalem, My Happy Home by Wilbur Held: Five well-known hymns are set here in simple, pleasing style. The keyboard part works comfortably on either piano or organ, and the cello part will transfer easily, with a few adjustments, to other bass instruments.
Cello and keyboard – Medium – Digital Download. SKU: MQ.20-980-2E Composed by Wilbur Held. All Saints/All Souls. Score. 4 pages. MorningStar Music Publishers – Digital Sheet Music #20-980-2E. Published by MorningStar Music Publishers – Digital Sheet Music (MQ.20-980-2E).
Three Folk Hymns for Winds for Two Flutes, Oboe and Clarinet by Donna Robertson. Innovative arrangements of three familiar folk hymns, perfect for both sacred and secular settings. Instrumentation: 2 Flutes, Oboe, Clarinet.
Chamber Music. SKU: AY.CM109Arranged by Donna N. Robertson. Ensembles – Chamber Music. Score and parts. Alry Publications #CM109. Published by Alry Publications (AY.CM109). ISBN 9790302105312. 9 x 12 inches.
Transformations by Howard Helvey. 10 eloquent new arrangements for piano solo based on beloved hymn tunes: How Can I Keep From Singing? (ENDLESS SONG); Jerusalem, My Happy Home (LAND OF REST); Holy, Holy, Holy (NICAEA); Take Up Thy Cross, the Savior Said (BOURBON); Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness (GERMANY); Christians, We Have Met to Worship (HOLY MANNA); How Great Thou Art (HOW GREAT THOU ART); Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy (RESTORATION); Come Down, O Love Divine (DOWN AMPNEY); The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended (ST. CLEMENT). Difficulty level: Early Advanced.
Piano. SKU: BP.PC25Composed by Howard Helvey. Arranged by Howard Helvey. Piano collections. Collection. Beckenhorst Press #PC25. Published by Beckenhorst Press (BP.PC25). 9 x 12 inches.
Jerusalem, My Happy Home by Charles E. Callahan Jr. Organ – Digital Sheet Music
Jerusalem, My Happy Home by Amanda Tero. An advanced hymn arrangement for the classically-trained pianist. This old melody is delightful and almost like a movie soundtrack. Nestled in moving sixteenth notes with a sprinkling of left hand melody. 4 pages. Keys of F and G. This is part of the Surrender collection—seven arrangements for advanced pianists. Full album also available on most streaming platforms.
Piano Solo – Level 4 – Digital Download. SKU: A0.1083918Composed by American Folk Hymn. Arranged by Amanda Tero. Praise & Worship,Sacred,Traditional. Score. 5 pages. Amanda Tero #688123. Published by Amanda Tero (A0.1083918).
American Folk Hymns for Piano, 8 Early Advanced to Advanced Arrangements by Anna Laura Page: These 8 folk hymns were adopted as American more than a century ago. Titles: Amazing Grace * I Am Bound for the Promised Land * I Know that My Redeemer Lives * Jerusalem, My Happy Home * My Shepherd Will Supply My Need * ‘Tis a Gift to Be Simple * When I Can Read My Title Clear * Wherever I May Wander.
Piano – Advanced; Early Advanced. SKU: AP.188898 Early Advanced to Advanced Arrangements. Composed by Anna Laura Page. Piano Collection; Piano Supplemental. Folk; Hymn; Sacred. Book. 36 pages. Alfred Music #00-18889. Published by Alfred Music (AP.18889). UPC: 038081171661. 9 x 12 inches. English.
Chords from Ultimate Guitar website (Some of the words may be different from the SDA Hymnal)
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