Historic Works

How Firm a Foundation

"How Firm a Foundation" was written mysteriously by "K," and was found in the hymnbook Rippon's Hymns, in 1787.

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The Story Behind “How Firm a Foundation”

"How Firm a Foundation" appeared in print in 1787 in preacher John Rippon’s book, A Selection of Hymns from the Best Authors. A century later, on Christmas Eve of 1898, it was sung out of the souls of soldiers in their camps during the Spanish-American War.

It’s an anonymous anthem—people can’t say for sure who wrote it. However, many attribute it to...

by Bibles.net

Theme Verse
“Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock."
Jesus, Matthew 7:24 CSB
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How Firm a Foundation by
"K" in Rippon's Hymns Phone Wallpaper

We have made a graphic so you can keep the hymn "How Firm a Foundation" on your phone as your background or screensaver!

The History of How Firm a Foundation

Lyrics Written
The lyrics to “How Firm a Foundation” appeared in Baptist minister John Rippon’s A Selection of Hymns, anonymously authored by “K.”
Popularity
Shortened versions of the hymn began to regularly appear in American and British hymnals.
Music Composition
Joseph Funk published the hymn accompanied by an American folk piece that is now the most popularized melody to accompany the hymn. The composer of the song is unknown.
Publishing
All seven stanzas of the hymn were published in renowned preacher Charles Spurgeon’s, Our Own Hymnbook.
Impact
The hymn was sung at the funeral of General Robert E. Lee.
Hymn Publicized
The hymn peaked in popularity, appearing in over 80% of hymnals worldwide.
1787
1800
1832
1866
1870
1990
The Story Behind the Song
Article: 7 Min

Hymn Stories: "How Firm a Foundation" (+ Free Download)

by Tim Challies at his blog

Verse
Ephesians 2:19-21 NLT

Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.

Article: 5 Min

An American Hymn Story

by Reasonable Theology

Quote

How firm a foundation,
ye saints of the Lord

Is laid for your faith
in his excellent Word.

Anonymous
Article: 7 Min

History of Hymns: “How Firm a Foundation”

by Dr. Hawn from Discipleship Ministries

Verse
MATTHEW 7:24-29 NIV

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

Message: 60 Min

How this Hymn

Speaks to Your Suffering

by David Powlison

Verse
ISAIAH 41:10 NKJV

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Image

God has said,
“Never will I leave you;

never will I forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:5 NIV
Songs
"How Firm a Foundation" Playlist

Discover various covers of the hymn “How Firm a Foundation”!

How Firm a Foundation
by Jeremy Moore | Contemporary
How Firm a Foundation
by Fernando Ortega | Folk | Indie
How Firm a Foundation
by Co-Mission | Praise & Worship
How Firm a Foundation
by Hymns of the People | Folk | Indie
How Firm a Foundation
by RYM Worship | Bluegrass
How Firm a Foundation
by Norton Hall Band | Contemporary
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