trust

comfort

assurance

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Elisha A. Hoffman 1887 Tune: Showalter (10.9.10.9 with refrain)

A trusting refrain of fellowship and rest in the unfailing arms of God.

Quick Answer

A trusting refrain of fellowship and rest in the unfailing arms of God. Written by Elisha A. Hoffman (1887), set to the tune "Showalter" by Anthony J. Showalter.

Suggested pairing scripture

Deuteronomy 33:27

"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them."

Read Deuteronomy 33:27 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." 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

What a fellowship, what a joy divine, Leaning on the everlasting arms; What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, Leaning on the everlasting arms. Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Stanza 2

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, Leaning on the everlasting arms; O how bright the path grows from day to day, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Stanza 3

What have I to dread, what have I to fear, Leaning on the everlasting arms? I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

History & Background

Music teacher Anthony J. Showalter wrote the chorus and tune in 1887 after receiving letters from two former students whose wives had died on the same day. He sent the verses to Elisha A. Hoffman, who completed the hymn. The phrase comes from Deuteronomy 33:27.

Scripture Behind the Hymn

Deuteronomy 33:27

"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them."

Read in context

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the phrase 'everlasting arms' come from?

Deuteronomy 33:27, part of Moses's blessing on Israel, which describes the eternal God as a refuge whose 'everlasting arms' uphold His people.

Related Hymns

Other hymns that share themes or scripture with Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.

It Is Well With My Soul

Horatio G. Spafford · 1873

'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

Louisa M. R. Stead · 1882

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Joseph M. Scriven · 1855

Related Reading

Continue your study with related content from across our library:

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Elisha A. Hoffman • 1887

It Is Well With My Soul

Horatio G. Spafford • 1873

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Where to go next

Enjoyed "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

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