Olney Hymns · Chapter
67: The Hiding-Place. Feb. 10, 1779 explained
The poem depicts a coming storm of divine judgment upon a sinful land, but offers comfort to the faithful, who are invited to hide in God's chambers until the wrath passes.
What happens
The poem depicts a coming storm of divine judgment upon a sinful land, but offers comfort to the faithful, who are invited to hide in God's chambers until the wrath passes. It contrasts the fate of sinners, who will perish, with the safety of those marked by atoning blood, and urges sinners to seek refuge in the ark of mercy before it is too late.
Themes in this chapter
Divine Providence and Guidance
God provides a hiding place and guides the faithful through the storm.
Suffering and Affliction
The gathering cloud and times of trouble represent affliction and judgment.
Grace and Unmerited Favor
Mercy spares the children of God despite their sin, offering safety through atoning blood.
Characters to notice
- God
The Lord proclaims trouble, offers a hiding place, and spares the children of mercy.
- Jesus Christ
Implied as the ark and the atoning blood that marks the faithful.
- The Saints
Those who love his name and hide in his chambers, safe from the storm.
- Sin
The sinful land that incurs divine wrath.
- Mercy
Mercy retards the doom of sinners, giving them time to seek refuge.
Key passages
“See the gloomy gath'ring cloud, Hanging o'er a sinful land!”
Look at the dark cloud of judgment that is about to fall on this sinful nation.
The opening image of an impending storm symbolizes divine wrath.
“Come and in my chambers hide, To my saints of old well known; There you safely may abide Till the storm be overblown.”
God invites his faithful people to take refuge in his presence, a place known to the saints of old, where they will be safe until the judgment passes.
The hiding place is a metaphor for God's protection during times of tribulation.
“While they perish in the flood, You that bear my holy mark, Sprinkled with atoning blood, Shall be safe within the ark.”
While sinners are destroyed by the flood of judgment, those who are marked by the atoning blood of Christ will be safe, just as Noah was safe in the ark.
The ark is a type of Christ, and the mark of atoning blood refers to salvation through his sacrifice.
“Sinners, see the ark prepared! Haste to enter while there's room!”
Sinners, the ark of salvation is ready; hurry to enter it before it is too late.
An urgent call to repentance and faith in Christ.