The story behind the hymn
Sarah F. Adams’s text dates from 1841. It draws on Jacob’s dream at Bethel in Genesis 28, where a ladder reached from earth to heaven and God spoke to a man who was running away.
The tune BETHANY was composed by Lowell Mason in 1856. Words and tune are both in the public domain.
The hymn’s image is of nearness: not a flight from trouble, but drawing close to God in the middle of it, even when the way is hard.
The Scripture behind it
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
James 4:8 (World English Bible)
Compare Genesis 28:10–17.
A short reflection
Jacob met God when he was alone and afraid, with a stone for a pillow. The hymn reminds us that hard places can become places of meeting.
Father, draw me near to you today, and let me know that you are near. 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).