assurance

comfort

promises

How Firm a Foundation

John Rippon's Selection (attrib. 'K') 1787 Tune: Foundation (11.11.11.11)

A hymn of God's promises drawn directly from the words of Scripture.

Quick Answer

A hymn of God's promises drawn directly from the words of Scripture. Written by John Rippon's Selection (attrib. 'K') (1787), set to the tune "Foundation" by Traditional American melody.

Suggested pairing scripture

Isaiah 41:10

"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."

Read Isaiah 41:10 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "How Firm a Foundation." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

Read in context

When to sing this

Sing at funerals, memorial services, hospital visits, and any time the congregation needs the consolation of God's presence.

Lyrics

Stanza 1

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?

Stanza 2

'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.'

Stanza 3

'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.'

Stanza 4

'When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply; The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.'

Stanza 5

'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 endeavor to shake, I'll never, no never, no never forsake.'

History & Background

Published in 1787 in 'A Selection of Hymns' by London Baptist pastor John Rippon, signed only with the letter 'K' (likely Robert Keene, Rippon's precentor). Each verse paraphrases a different Scripture promise. The American folk tune 'Foundation' first appeared in Joseph Funk's Genuine Church Music (1832). It was a favorite of Andrew Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Theodore Roosevelt.

Scripture Behind the Hymn

Isaiah 41:10

"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."

Read in context

Isaiah 43:2

"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."

Read in context

Hebrews 13:5

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

Read in context

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote How Firm a Foundation?

The author signed only as 'K' in John Rippon's 1787 hymnal. Most scholars believe it was Robert Keene, Rippon's song leader at Carter Lane Baptist Church in London.

Related Hymns

Other hymns that share themes or scripture with How Firm a Foundation.

It Is Well With My Soul

Horatio G. Spafford · 1873

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Elisha A. Hoffman · 1887

Jesus Loves Me

Anna B. Warner · 1860

Related Reading

Continue your study with related content from across our library:

How Firm a Foundation

John Rippon's Selection (attrib. 'K') • 1787

It Is Well With My Soul

Horatio G. Spafford • 1873

God Promises Peace in Life's Storms

Bible promises of supernatural peace during turbulent times.

God Promises Comfort in Suffering

Bible promises of God's comfort during pain, grief, and hardship.

Isaiah 41:13 Commentary

In-depth study • Comfort

Spiritual Warfare

What Are Angels in the Bible?

Angels are created spiritual beings who serve God, deliver His messages, and min

Where to go next

Enjoyed "How Firm a Foundation"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

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