Elisha A. Hoffman (1839–1929) was an American Presbyterian minister who spent over sixty years pastoring small, working-class congregations in Pennsylvania. Hoffman had a deep pastoral heart, writing over 2,000 gospel songs in his spare time. In 1887, while visiting a grieving parishioner who was overwhelmed by sorrow, he saw her suddenly cry out: 'What can I do, Elisha? I must lean on the everlasting arms!' This profound statement inspired him to write 'Leaning on the Everlasting Arms' to share the comfort of resting in God's power during trials.