As Jacob With Travel Was Weary One Day
Do you know the hymn "Nearer, My God, to Thee?" It is a beloved song in many churches and has been sung at countless funeral services. However, did you know that the hymn has a fascinating backstory? The hymn was inspired by a dream of Jacob, the patriarch in the Bible, and it tells the story of his encounter with God.
Jacob's Dream
In the book of Genesis, Jacob was fleeing from his brother, Esau, after stealing his birthright. One night, while on the journey, he had a dream in which he saw a ladder that stretched from earth to heaven. Angels were ascending and descending the ladder, and at the top of the ladder stood God.
Jacob awoke from his dream and realized that he had been in the presence of God. Overwhelmed by this realization, he declared, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it." (Genesis 28:16)
The Hymn
This dream became the inspiration for the hymn "Nearer, My God, to Thee." The lyrics were written by Sarah Flower Adams in 1841, and the melody was composed by Lowell Mason in 1856.
The hymn expresses a desire to draw nearer to God, just as Jacob longed to be closer to God after his dream. The first verse says:
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me,Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
The hymn became popular in both the United States and the United Kingdom and has been sung by many famous figures, including the passengers on the Titanic as the ship sank.
Conclusion
The hymn "Nearer, My God, to Thee" has a rich history that dates back to a dream of Jacob, the patriarch in the Bible. It expresses a longing to draw closer to God, just as Jacob desired after his encounter. Today, the hymn continues to be a beloved song in many churches and serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking a deeper relationship with God.
