Can You Count the Stars?

Johann Wilhelm Hey was a significant 19th-century German clergyman and poet whose enduring legacy is defined by his ability to translate profound spiritual truths into the simple language of childhood. Born in 1789 in Leina, he was the son of a pastor and received a rigorous theological education at the Universities of Jena and Göttingen. While he rose to prominence as a court preacher at Gotha, his leanings toward Pietism eventually led to his appointment as the superintendent of Ichtershausen, where he remained until his death in 1854.

Although he was a respected figure within the church hierarchy, Hey achieved widespread fame through his literary collaborations, most notably with the illustrator Otto Speckter. Together, they produced Fabeln für Kinder (Fables for Children), a work that combined moral lessons with charming imagery and became a staple in German households. Included at the end of these volumes was a "Serious Appendix" containing religious songs and poems. These pieces, characterized by a gentle and comforting piety, were eventually translated into English and introduced a generation of children to the concept of a watchful, loving Creator.

Among his most famous contributions to children's hymnody is the beloved lullaby "Canst Thou Count the Stars?" (Weißt du, wie viel Sternlein stehen). This hymn serves as a foundational lesson in divine providence, assuring the young singer that the same God who numbers the stars and the birds of the air also knows and loves each child personally. Other popular works from his collections include "Every Year Again" (Alle Jahre wieder), a staple of the German Christmas tradition, and various songs of thanksgiving that emphasize the beauty of nature and the kindness of God.

While the majority of Hey's work was written for the nursery or the schoolroom, he did produce several hymns suitable for formal church use. His Passiontide hymn, "Whene'er Again Thou Sinkest" (Wenn je du wieder zagst), offers a deep meditation on Christ's suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and is noted for its emotional resonance and theological depth. Through both his simple verses for children and his more somber reflections for the congregation, Wilhelm Hey bridged the gap between academic theology and the lived experience of faith, leaving a heritage of song that continues to provide comfort and instruction.