The story behind the hymn
Augustus Toplady was an Anglican clergyman, and “Rock of Ages” was first published in 1776. The hymn gathers two Bible images: Christ as the rock, and the sinner who hides in him.
The tune most often used, TOPLADY, was composed by the American musician Thomas Hastings in 1830 and named in honour of the author. Both words and tune are in the public domain.
Many stories surround the hymn’s origin, but the safest thing to say is that it has comforted generations at the end of life and in every season before it.
The Scripture behind it
Yahweh is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge.
Psalm 18:2 (World English Bible)
Compare Isaiah 26:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:4.
A short reflection
Refuge is not a place for people who have it together. The hymn is honest about empty hands. It invites us to stop pretending and run to the one who can actually hold us.
Christ, my rock, I run to you. Hide me, cleanse me, and keep me. Amen.
The full words
Read the full words of this hymn, with tunes and scores, on Hymnary.org.
Read the full hymn text →Source for author, dates and public-domain status: Hymnary.org. Scripture quoted from the World English Bible (public domain).