Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

The Story Behind Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

In 1887 Anthony J. Showalter had received some mournful news from friends about loved ones who had passed away;  and in his reply letter, he included the verse, Deuteronomy 33: 27.  “The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, ‘Destroy”.

But after thinking of the verse furthermore, he decided those words would make a great theme for a hymn.  He then wrote the words for the refrain and music for the hymn "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms."  Although he needed help with the stanzas, so he went to see Elisha Hoffman author of over 2000 gospel hymns.  Hoffman provided the stanzas while Showalter created the refrain and music to this hymn.

Popular Hymn Lyrics with Story and Meaning
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Nearer My God to Thee
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Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty
Amazing Grace