The words and music of this lively gospel song were written in 1911 by C. Austin Miles. He was a pharmacist, but he felt led by God to write gospel songs full-time. He soon became editor and manager of the Hall-Mack Publishing Company and worked for them for thirty-seven years. He wrote more than 400 songs and published seven songbooks during that time. This was Miles’ desire:
“It is as a writer of gospel songs I am proud to be known,
for in that way I may be of the most use to my Master,
whom I serve willingly although not as efficiently as is
my desire.”
One of his songs, “Dwelling in Beulah Land,” became popular quickly and was published in over 150 hymnals. The uplifting music results in enthusiastic singing. Evidently, the song was popular in the South Pacific; in 1970, the tune was adapted as their national anthem, “God Bless Fiji,” when the islands celebrated their independence from the United Kingdom.
It’s often thought that the song speaks of heaven. However, “Beulah” is mentioned in Isaiah 62:4 and is a Hebrew word that means “married.” It reads, ...and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. The word expresses the delight that God, in his mercy, will have in restoring Israel to their land after captivity. The relationship is like a marriage, as the land and God’s people will be fruitful again.
For the Christian, “Beulah Land” symbolizes the relationship the believer can have with the Saviour in this present life. The refrain reminds one of the victorious life in Christ, offering all the blessings of His love, provision, and protection.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-38).
Then I know the sins of earth beset on ev’ry hand.
Doubt and fear and things of earth in vain to me are calling,
None of these shall move me from Beulah land.
I’m living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky, (Praise God!)
I’m drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry,
O yes! I’m feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply
For I am dwelling in Beulah land.
Sons of men in battle long the enemy withstand.
Safe am I within the castle of God’s word retreating,
Nothing there can reach me- ’tis Beulah land.
I am safely sheltered here protected by God’s hand.
Here the sun is always shining, here there’s naught can harm me,
I am safe forever in Beulah land.
Hearing now his blessed voice, I see the way he planned.
Dwelling in the Spirit, here I learn of full salvation,
Gladly I will tarry in Beulah land.
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