Title: A Safe Stronghold Our God Is Still
Hymn Number: SS&S 3 (Sacred Songs and Solos)
1. A safe stronghold our God is still,
A trusty shield and weapon ;
He’ll help us clear from all the ill
That hath us now o’er taken.
The ancient prince of hell
Hath risen with purpose fell ;
Strong mail of craft and power
He weareth in this hour,
On earth is not his fellow.
2. With force of arms we nothing can,
Full soon were we down-ridden ;
But for us fights the proper Man,
Whom God Himself hath bidden.
Ask ye, Who is this same ?
Christ Jesus is His name,
The Lord Sabaoth’s Son ;
He, and no other one,
Shall conquer in the battle.
3. And were this world all devils o’er,
And watching to devour us,
We lay it not to heart so sore ;
Not they can overpower us.
And let the prince of ill
Look grim as e’er he will,
He harms us not a whit :
For why ? His doom is writ ;
A word shall quickly slay him.
4. God’s word, for all their craft and force,
One moment will not linger,
But,spite of hell, shall have its course;
‘Tis written by His finger.
And though they take our life,
Goods, honour, children, wife,
Yet is their profit small ;
These things shall vanish all,
The city of God remaineth.
About the hymn
“A Safe Stronghold Our God Is Still” is a hymn translated by Thomas Carlyle from Martin Luther’s original German hymn “Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott.” Written during the Reformation, this hymn is a bold declaration of God’s power, protection, and faithfulness in the face of adversity. The original hymn is often associated with the Protestant Reformation, symbolizing the steadfastness of faith and God’s enduring presence in the life of believers, especially during times of trial. The version in Sacred Songs and Solos retains these strong themes, focusing on the mighty and protective nature of God.
Verse 1: God as a Mighty Fortress
The hymn begins by describing God as a “safe stronghold,” an image that draws directly from the biblical metaphor of God as a fortress, often found in the Psalms. This stronghold is not just a place of protection but also a source of confidence for believers, knowing that God is unshakable and immovable. The word “still” suggests the enduring and consistent nature of God’s protection, emphasizing that through every era and trial, God remains the same—a reliable refuge.
The phrase “shield and weapon” illustrates God’s role not only as a passive place of safety but also as an active defender. This image reflects the idea that God is not distant or uninvolved but actively intervenes to protect His people, much like a warrior defending a fortress. The hymn here mirrors the Reformation spirit, where believers were emboldened by their trust in God’s power amid religious and political conflict.
Verse 2: Facing the Threat of Evil
In the second verse, the hymn confronts the reality of evil and opposition in the world. It speaks of a “fierce foe,” traditionally interpreted as Satan or the forces of evil, who seeks to harm and destroy the faithful. However, the hymn expresses unwavering confidence in God’s ability to overcome such threats. This evil may seem powerful, “grim and mighty,” yet the believer is reassured that God’s might is greater.
This battle imagery resonates deeply with the spiritual warfare motif found throughout Scripture, where God’s people are often depicted as being in conflict with powers of darkness. However, it’s clear that the hymn’s tone is not one of fear but of resolute faith. Despite the very real presence of evil, the refrain is one of trust in God’s ultimate victory.
Verse 3: God’s Strength in the Word
The third verse of the hymn emphasizes the power of God’s Word, referring to it as the ultimate weapon in the face of opposition. Here, the hymn likely references the transformative power of Scripture and truth of God’s promises. In the context of the Reformation, this had particular significance, as one of Martin Luther’s core convictions was that the Bible should be accessible to all and that its authority stood above church tradition or human power.
The hymn expresses confidence that no earthly power, however great, can withstand the Word of God. The enemy may seem overwhelming, but they are powerless against the truth of God’s Word. This echoes a key tenet of Reformation theology, which emphasized Scripture’s supremacy and God’s ability to triumph through His Word.
Verse 4: Eternal Victory in God
The final verse turns toward the believer’s ultimate assurance in God’s eternal victory. While earthly trials and opposition may rage, the hymn assures believers that God’s kingdom will endure forever. It expresses hope and faith in God’s everlasting reign and the ultimate defeat of evil. The stronghold that God provides is not just for temporary safety but for eternal security.
This verse also points to the idea of endurance—no matter how fierce the battles in life may be, God’s victory is assured. His kingdom, which transcends earthly powers and authorities, will stand unshaken. It reflects the Christian belief in eternal life and the coming of God’s eternal kingdom, where all wrongs will be righted, and the faithful will find peace and refuge in God forever.
Overall Message and Significance
“A Safe Stronghold Our God Is Still” is a powerful hymn of assurance, emphasizing God’s enduring protection, strength, and faithfulness. It speaks directly to the human experience of fear, opposition, and adversity, but offers a resounding message of hope rooted in God’s unchanging nature. For Luther and those in the Protestant Reformation, this hymn was a battle cry of faith against the pressures of religious and political opposition.
At its core, the hymn is a reminder that God is both a place of safety and a warrior who actively fights on behalf of His people. It resonates with those who feel besieged by life’s struggles, offering assurance that no matter how difficult the circumstances, God remains a mighty and dependable fortress. The hymn’s enduring popularity speaks to its universal message of trust in God’s power to protect and deliver His people, especially during times of great trial.