Rock of Ages Cleft For Me - story behind the hymn

Augustus Toplady wrote this brilliant old hymn. First a fan of Wesleys, he ended up becoming their enemy! And yet his classic hymn was probably influenced by a Wesleyan hymnal.
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1 Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save me wrath and make me pure.
2 Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All could never sin erase,
Thou must save, and save by grace.
3 Nothing in my hands I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress,
Helpless, look to Thee for grace:
Foul, I to the fountain fly,
Wash me, Savior, or I die.
4 While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

[@LWP413]

If you enjoyed the upbeat version, you can find it here on CrossRoad's channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moK8npKfrNuheZI

[@Praise___YaH]

HERE is The Savior YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified/Pierced for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF” From the Ancient Egyptian Semitic: "Yad He Vav He" is what Moshe (Moses) wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3) Ancient Egyptian Semitic Direct Translation Yad - "Behold The Hand" He - "Behold the Breath" Vav - "Behold The NAIL"

[@mathewyapyap]

I love both versions! Brilliant!

[@jamesbarr8549]

You should do Praise ye the Lord the Almighty, the King of Creation. It's German 17th century, by Joachim Neander. The Neanderthal man fossil is named after him, this is an interesting story. This icon of evolution is named after a creationist hymn writer preacher. The Neanderthal man is a perfectly normal post-flood human who lived to a great age. It is also the world's best hiking song. If you find the history you will realize why I say that. I love that hymn it is my favorite.

[@Praise___YaH]

@@jamesbarr8549 His Holy Name is YaH, as in HalleluYAH “Praise ye YaH” Isaiah 42:8 "I am YaH; that is my Name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. Isaiah 43:11 I, I am YAH, and there is no other Savior but Me. Isaiah 45:5 I am YaH, and there is none else.

[@donnashelton464]

The old traditional version leads me into worship of my savior. The words get lost for me in the rock version.

[@laisaniomalley3927]

@donna. Total agree

[@andrewwilliamson450]

Yes- the other version that was like a bride wearing football boots

[@agnessimpson1461]

😂The traditional version is more of a deep worship that draws me closer to God

[@savedbyChrist]

I too agree. The traditional one is the best. The modern veraion sounds disrespectful..

[@charityguisoben4388]

the old traditional is more worshipful .

[@almaadesaacebedo7525]

The original version gives me peace and a calm.

[@maryafflerbach5516]

Amen ❤

[@susanfox6666]

Me too. This "rock" version sounds a lot like Jerry Lee Lewis came up with the melody. I won't name the title of the particular song this sounded a lot like, but I go for the original hymn as it was sung. IMO, I think we don't do these great and profound hymns any favors by messing with them. It's like we deny the power of those hymns and the holiness of God to try to be "relevant" to an unholy world. If you want to give it a "modern" sound, then write your own lyrics.

[@dr.amalarathna570]

I love the traditional version! Praise God for such worship hymns.

[@NotMister]

I am the same way. The other one is just noise.

[@julietignatius4450]

Every line of this song makes me cry.I humbly bow down and thank Jesus for his death on the cross for me.

[@debhelms4106]

Amen 😢

[@debifambro1039]

Me too😢❤

[@JacobsNewton]

Amen, this comment hit my heart. God bless you

[@godspowerotu]

Same here,😢the song gives me hope for enternity o

[@dennistsiorbas5962]

I sang Rock of Ages this week. One of my al time favorites. The simple yet deepest of biblical truths: "Not the labor of my hands Can fulfill Thy law’s demands; Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears forever flow, All for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone." "Oh, the blood of Jesus"

[@glendagaskin151]

I’m 78 years old. I remember when this song was sung very often. I don’t think we should have put these hymns away for modern praise songs. The deepness of them can’t be matched.

[@elizabethwezelman8547]

On our way to Ontario from Alberta, Canada, in 1977, we came to a wall of beautiful rock, and stopping in a small look out space, my husband and I got out and burst into this wonderful hymn. The sun shone on the rock, and the hymn gave a further definition to the words that we sang, What a Saviour, hidden in His love, safe in Him the Rock of ages cleft for (us)!

[@virginia7890]

💃 🎶 ♥ 💃 😊

[@Jimmy-gg7og]

It was a small country church…. maybe 30 of us were there on Sunday night when service was merely an hour of picking songs from the hymnal at random by those attending. My grand aunt’s voice would soar above all as our voices in unison sought to chase her praise to her God. Aunt Neene now has a perfected voice to go with her quiet personality and that wonderful smile behind which an amazing voice stood ready to soar with praise the her Strength. I so miss those Sunday night services. They still soar in my ears as I hear these lyrics.

[@KolokaiKalai]

THANKYOU LUKE FOR THE BEAUTIFUL INSPIRING SHARING.I LOVE ❤ THIS SONG SO.MUCH..ROCK OF AGES..SO RICH AND AWESOME A SONG 🎵 ❤ ♥ 💖 💕 💙

[@karonthompson-if5gv]

I LOOOve this rock version of RofA!!!!! Yes! I didn't know what to expect. It is perfect after playing tihe hymn. It made me want to get up and dance. Which I'm going to do after I finish typing!!!! First we honor God and then.......We CELEBRATE!!!❤😊

[@user-wx2qr4tt2w]

I love the traditional version . It stirs me to acknowledge my sinful state and cling to The Rock of Ages .

[@jefferyschirm4103]

Judas acknowledged his sinful but he didn’t repent! He wants to take you from your sinful state, if you ask him !

[@patdixon-lj7qs]

I loved the traditional ❤🙏

[@karenhetherington3585]

We are covered by Christ's righteousness. By grace we are saved through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

[@lidieyay7324]

We sing all the old hymns in our church every Sunday ❤😊

[@davidsands927]

In the films the cowboys all ways sang it and shall we gather at the river

[@clydebrundage3215]

Wow! Thank you for bring this out. The new music in church these days don’t compare to the hymns

[@mechellturner3915]

i would sing to my babies as infants, and with amazing grace, it rock them nurse them, and get them to sleep. Now I sing it to my grandchildren,, we also sang this to my mom in law as she passed on to glory

[@karenparinisi3182]

I'm a traditionalist and love the original version, but that rock n' roll version was awesome!

[@susankennedy9327]

Our choir just sang this great hymn last Sunday...I was honored to be asked to sing the third verse as a solo...nothing in my hand I bring, simply to His cross I cling.....my favorite verse 🙏💓

[@irilinshabong7428]

I love this song and I say always,"Rock of Ages Cleft for me,let me hide myself in Thee"

[@titichondoro2516]

i love traditional version..🙏👍🎶 ❤from indonesia🇮🇩

[@peterbamidele4171]

I love this song ❤ . What a great hymn! Thank you Luke for the great work. God bless you.

[@wilmakleyn5223]

I love this song, we sing it Church and even when i am alone i sing it.All praises to our Lord Jesus Christ🙏🙌🙏

[@carroltennarteh5439]

Full of love,hope ,grace and God's glory

[@eforeman703]

My favorite verse, nothing in my hand I bring.God bless.

[@debbiepolk334]

Love both versions!

[@edwardhart5466]

The Gospel preached with in the Hymn ,yes the Theology in the older hymns ,does your heart so much good ,Thank you so much for the upload onto KZbin

[@homeworshipwithmartyandamy7754]

Thank you for sharing the story behind the old hymns.

[@jennifercollins4538]

I truly love this hymn

[@LifewithBrock]

I really enjoyed hearing the background and the explanation of the hymn. Also the classic version captures the purpose of the words.

[@suestrother9030]

I absolutely love both versions and most appreciate your explanation of double cure.

[@sandilobianco6734]

Thank you for researching these divinely inspired Hymns.

[@rhyfelwrDuw]

One of my favourite hymns! I like the account of Toplady being in a storm (even if it's not true :) ) We don't sing it enough, I agree!

[@dominicr9068]

I sing this song all the time. I love it. He is definitely my rock

[@stellasaman1495]

All those words (songs) are biblical‼️ JESUS CHRIST IS LORD‼️🙏🙏🙏❤

[@maudlaing7061]

I love this hymn.its one of my favourites.I sing it often when I worship at home. Thank you for sharing .I feel the Presence of the LORD as I worship.😊

[@jacobso223]

Thank you for telling us these wonderful stories of God's work through men. It's worth memorable and retold!👍❤️

[@BonnieKetterman-qw8vd]

What a beautiful story love that beautiful hymn

[@user-il5gw8wh8w]

The traditional version inspires meditation and heartfelt worship. I love it.

[@kinisimererogosau4308]

One of my favorite hymns❤

[@gloriabukachi1]

I was praying my midnight prayers and the Holy Spirit guided me to this site. Thank you for the good information. I was thinking of psalms 91

[@USMCGYSGTRET]

I was in tears with how you narrated the lyrics, absolutely beautiful

[@conniewright1113]

God leads us to different places in our time of need. Tonight was a need. The original version touched my weary heart tonight. 60 years of singing this song, still warms my heart. I just subscribed after watching Jesus love me .

[@brennerfamily1968]

Beautiful. Simply Beautiful. Old Hymns like this truly capture the heart of the gospel! “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Ps. 51:17

[@debbiedietz8240]

Your videos are wonderful, I have learned so much about these songs. Our church sings all the hymns and I love it!

[@tusharsalve6290]

I ❤the old version it's heart touching.

[@daniellepatenaude3890]

My grandmother had a framed copy of this hymn hanging on the wall of her living room. I always think of safety and peace in the midst of the storm when I hear this beautiful hymn!

[@graceeow7102]

This song came to me now, and the traditional song is so rich and worshipful. PTL!

[@deonvanrhyn934]

Thank Luke. Allways interesting to learn the origin of songs. I much enjoy your program.

[@saritamaclachlan3480]

I am saved by grace hallelujah!

[@lisamcnair8647]

So appreciate going slowly through all the words and concentrating on their meaning. Thank you

[@glenturrell4485]

Thank you Luke for this excellent clip. I grew up in a Methodist church enjoying the riches of their excellent hymn book. My parents had good voices, my mom with a rich contralto and my dad a solid bass and when my voice broke I had the wonderful privilege of being able to sing the bass parts with my dad. For Rock of Ages we sang the alternative tune which was a bit more sonorous but equally lovely. I miss the gravity of the great old hymns and find most of the "cut and paste" songs currently popular rather anaemic and uninspiring. But that's me I guess. Please keep doing what you're doing!

[@margaretha907]

No its not just you! you don't need to kind of apologise for liking the best ,so much in modern church worship "music" is fleshly and completely uninspiring and pedestrian.

[@anitascholl7510]

Traditional helps me to be humble and sincere in my worship more centered on Him

[@barbaramuller7024]

I grew up with the tradional but just loved the Rock n Roll version, the words just jump out. My Rock for ever,wonderful

[@jacqueschneider4687]

I learned this as a child in a Baptist church In Wichita Ks.. we sang it regularly, I think now the hymns are hard to find in churches like they used to. Ty for this!!! I love the writers storys.. The Lord blessed these people .. Grace is sufficient .. God's unmerited favor..thru Jesus Christ our Lord. Ty for these stories!!

[@Charlenehamlin]

Thank you,such a blessing 🙌🥰👍

[@miriambakker4340]

I always think of Moses striking the rock in the wilderness and water, like a river, gushing out satisfying the Israelites who were dying of thirst. It’s all symbolic.

[@littlet-rex8839]

Exodus 33 22And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:

[@user-zu6jg3ei5g]

The traditional version leads you into the presence of God in glorious worship.

[@user-ui5xt8uo7c]

We still sing this wonderful hymn.

[@mahoganyskid]

Hello Luke, New to your channel. I've already listened to a few Friday Classic Hymns and have been blessed immensely. Thank you!! I'd have to say these hymns are the bedrock of my praise and worship from the time Christ saved me until now well over four decades later. The hymn writers have given the church a rich heritage. For this, I'm truly grateful to God. May He bless you as you minister to so many of these your brothers and sisters throughout the world. We sing together the joyous victory we have in Christ our Savior!

[@yvonneengelbrecht7490]

The traditional version brought tears to me once again as the truth of who the Rock of ages is and what He means to us rings so true in those words.

[@user-hq2lk6rc5f]

I am saved by grace hallelujah!. The original version gives me peace and a calm..

[@charlottecornier5480]

As I meditated, that song came to mind, and I decided to play it. I grew up listening to that song in french. I love the old hymns. A few churches play those hymns. Thank you, Luke, for the history.

[@burningfirecalderon784]

It's great that I was born in 1959 when rock and roll was flourishing and in the church the music was hymns. I love the traditional version because I grew up with it. And, I love the rock and roll version too because it makes my head move up and down. It's the same delicious food in different plates. To God be the glory! God bless you brother. 💗💗☝☝

[@dedewatlington7080]

I was born in 1944, I loved both versions, and worshipped to both, thank you for posting this I love it😊❤😊

[@StillYHWHs]

Love this. Thank you for the lesson and the songs. ❤😂

[@jamesoluoch6330]

I love the first version, it's powerful and communicates more.Bring me close to God

[@CarlJohnson-rh6uz]

We will be singing it this Sunday. I wanted some hymns that would be well known as we are having a super Sunday and hoping to attract those that have not been and or not been in awhile. We will sing Rock of Ages; Amazing Grace; and The old Rugged Cross. Thank you for the history lesson!

[@laurarosas5899]

Thank you for both versions.

[@ArrinDuo]

Hi Luke, thanks for the story, we enjoyed it. Well my aunt died of cancer last month in S.A. She refused treatment and had ended up with open weeping painful sores. so this is for her. Believe it or not, I only came across the hymn last week whilst reading by chance a report about the SS London in 1866. So few of us get to where we're going in life, so here's what the journalist said: 'Before the ship sunk her fate was inevitable, and on the captain announcing that there was no hope a marvelous resignation pervaded both passengers and crew. There was no frantic excitement or utterance of despair. A calm heroism, which ennobles and hallows the catastrophe, was shown by everyone, and these 200 human beings, who but a few days before had left England for their new home full of hope, met the death which stared them in the face with a spirit which disarmed it of all its terrors, and which will make their memory dear to their countrymen through all time.' (From a compilation by John Mayhall 1874.) They were heard singing 'Rock of Ages' by the 19 survivors in the lifeboat until the sea silenced them.

[@healthycoils]

The traditional version instantly touches the soul, it brings calm serenity and connection to the Lord. The rock n roll version anoints the flesh, just want to dance.

[@sherriejohnson508]

Enjoying the story of the hymns

[@ronlanter6906]

My church sings this song (the traditional version) very often! All praises to God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) ✝

[@marycarskadon9076]

We all need both versions! Thank you for sharing this ROCK OF AGES!

[@margaretha907]

WHY?

[@guitarteacher419]

We are going to sing it tomorrow morning at a baby shower. It was selected by the mother to be. At another shower last month, the mother chose The Solid Rock and How Great Thou Art. I love the fact that these young moms are singing such solid doctrine. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

[@jamesgavigan4179]

The English tune to this hymn is my favourite. I enjoy playing hymns every day from KZbin. Thank you for your preamble to each hymn. I enjoy hearing how hymns came to be written. Thank you for what you do.

[@my7rhvn601]

I first heard this song later in my Christian walk because I didn't grow up in church. But, when I was studying in the Bible where Moses asks to see God's Glory. So God hides him in the cleft of the Rock and His glory passes by. I felt like the Lord put on my heart that the Rock is Jesus. Because of our sin, we will die in the face of God's glory. But, because of Jesus, our Rock, by His blood, we are hid in Jesus and our sins are washed away, so we can enter into the presence of the Lord. So when I hear, let me hide myself in thee, it is a picture of how God hid Moses in the cleft of the Rock & does the same for us✝️🙌

[@marykelley5182]

This hymn was my grandmothers favorite hymn. I feel the same way and think of her even though I never met her when I hear it. Admire the musical talent of the rock version. Still giving honor and praise to our Jesus in the rock version. ❤️💙🙏

[@debbiekerr3989]

I sing this song quite often I live alone and can't get to church the songs are so uplifting to me.

[@louvellajanetsentu4150]

Loved the traditional version 😊

[@johannahowardtripp8907]

Unfortunately we no longer sing this beautiful song. The words are so true. I want to be hidden in the rock of ages is such a blessing.

[@ThuyPham-my1kc]

May God Bless You Both . Awesome 👏

[@funkejegs5357]

I used it in my prayers yesterday. I sand it today! I love it!!

[@akatakamikamica4112]

Wonderful message I love it❤ "Rock of ages" I love that chorus Thank you very much Newest program 👏👏👏💖💖🙏🙏

[@lindah.4743]

I love the rock version, we need more updated music to the wonderful words of these old hymns.

[@margaretha907]

Why? The old is reverent ,the new appeals somewhat to the flesh! New tunes won't bring salvation or make more Christians ,only the Grace of God in the words of the hymn can do that!

[@liberty3597]

Please keep doing this. It is a blessing to me. America needs your words of hope. Thank you

[@Francine1117]

I love your newer version of Rock of Ages!

[@yvonnemoulton6671]

Thank you for the history. James Ward has an excellent version, too.

[@namulindahazael6589]

it really touches me so much and it brings to rest because when i am down, the Holy Spirit reminds me of this song

[@carolcarlin8794]

I remember singing this hymn when I was a child. You’re correct, it is not sung in church any more. But I still remember most of the words. Praise God for your mercies that are new every morning.

[@betsygray9505]

The symbolism of the water and the blood struck home with me. Nothing is for nothing in the crucifixion story! Bless you and your ministry.

[@codywhite190]

One of my favorites. I participate in a traditional service, and we sing this song often.

[@akatakamikamica4112]

Beautiful singing and the sound of your Piano so lovely. Remind me of Psalm 91

[@elibarikimeela2761]

God richly bless you for evangelizing the whole world

[@marilynbeharry1834]

Beautiful song . remember the lord Jesus Christ.died for our sin and to forgive us.. from Trinidad 💖

[@malinidyonisius128]

Brother you are doing an amazing service....may the lord bless you abundantly...I always wanted to know what triggered the song writers because these days i don't find songs even closer or comparable to the Beautiful Hymns...it's a powerful ministry you are doing....I always honor and love traditional because it's one of my mother's favorites

[@gujapattieseebarran4262]

I love the old time songs

[@DarylAnnFleetwood-ub3ph]

Strangely I am saying this! I love rock and roll, but for this song, I prefer the older version. Have not sung this in years. Love the words, especially that I can hide in the cleft of the rock.

[@lindamarsh6711]

I’m a traditionalist with this song. I learned it as a very you child. Being a teen in the 60s an70s , I don’t mind the second version as well. God bless you all! What ever brings them to Christ is fine with me!

[@samuelingalls5424]

Loved both versions!😊

[@carrolgraham3123]

Just found you on KZbin a few days ago and am enjoying the hymns.I grew up singing hymns both at church and at home.Now so many of them are etched in my memory.Rock of Ages sung to the first tune is so prayerful and leads me more into worship.God bless you

[@tillabezuidenhout6460]

Being Afrikaans we never sang it but I learnt it somewhere and have always loved it.