Nearer My God to Thee, Mississippi John Hurt

This hymn is so associated with the sinking of the Titantic that it may be hard to recall that it really is about the story of Jacob, found in the book of Genesis. After fleeing from his brother Esau's anger, Jacob was forced to sleep in a rocky place with a stone for his pillow. As he slept, he dreamed of a ladder reaching to heaven wih angels going up and down the ladder. The Lord God stood on top of the ladder and spoke to Jacob of the promise of Abraham and the land given to his descendents. When Jacob awoke he knew that God had been in this place and surely it was the gateway to Heaven. The ladder for us all is found in the redemptive work of Jesus, Son of God, on the cross at Calvary. He is our stairway to Heaven. We can truly be near to Him.
Images of miners who descend and ascend daily formed a picture of that ladder to me. May this also be a tribute to them.

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!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Christian
• Blues
• Gospel
• Old
• Hymn
• Mines
• Mining
• Miners
• Jacob's
• Ladder
• Dream

[hatch821]

I grew up with this hymn and was pretty much oblivious to its meaning, esp. as pertains to Jacob's ladder. In college I first heard a recording of Hurt singing this, and after listening--still oblivious--for many times, I finally saw what a marvel of poetry and music and performance this is. It will always be a favorite.

[beanscot]

@hatch821 Thank you for your comment.

[AfrikanEagle]

Thank you so much for bringing us back to the roots: this was all inspired by the Jacob's episode in Genesis, and less by Titanic. You've done well. May heaven remember you!

[beanscot]

@AfrikanEagle You're welcome! Thank you for commenting!

[kowalski37]

I never realised MJH did a version of this - it's enough to make your heart break with the pain of living and the yearning to be with God.

[beanscot]

@kowalski37 I appreciate your discerning comment.

[cinestar2]

i love this one so much, it really makes me calm and feel safe and satisfied. i always hear and sing it whenever i need comfort.

how good it is, this one exists!!

[Addiskrilla]

At the end, who were those 5 miners who

Killed and how they got killed?

[beanscot]

@RevDelbert Thanks for commenting. 

[RevDelbert]

AMEN!! This is as the song should be done.