The story behind the hymn
How Firm a Foundation first appeared in John Rippon's 1787 hymnal, credited only to the mysterious 'K'. Its author has never been certainly identified, which seems fitting for a hymn whose every stanza is really God speaking, not the poet.
Nearly every line paraphrases a promise of Scripture — Isaiah 41:10 and 43:2 above all. The hymn puts God's own words into the singer's mouth: I will strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand. It has steadied believers at bedsides and gravesides for over two centuries.
The final stanza's pledge — that the soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose will never, no never, no never forsake — triples the negative for emphasis, and generations have sung it as their surest ground.
The lyrics
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!What more can He say than to you He hath said,To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;For I will be with thee thy troubles to bless,And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,I will not, I will not desert to his foes;That soul, though all hell should endeavour to shake,I'll never, no never, no never forsake!
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The Scripture behind it
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
The promise the second stanza sets to music.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
Through the waters and the rivers — the deep-waters stanza.