"Praise Him in Song"

"El Shaddai"

We see God's plan of salvation in both the Old and the New Testaments of the Bible.  

Michael Card went to Western Kentucky University, majoring in Biblical studies, and concentrating on Old Testament rabbinics.  But Michael was also a musician, having grown up in Nashville with musical parents.

In the early 1980's, he and John Thompson wrote the song, "El-Shaddai," which uses several Old Testament names for God.  The verses tell a story:

 

Through Your love and through the ram, You saved the son of Abraham

Through the power of Your hand turned the sea into dry land

To the outcast on her knees You were the God who really sees

And by Your might You set Your children free.

 

Through the years You made it clear that the time of Christ was near

Though the people couldn't see what Messiah ought to be

Though Your Word contained the plan, they just could not understand

Your most awesome work was done through the fraility of Your Son

 

The chorus uses Hebrew names:

 

"El-Shaddai" (God Almighty)

"El-Elyon na Adonai" (God in the Highest.  Oh, Lord.)

 

Amy Grant released the album, "Age to Age," with "El-Shaddai" on it.  And it became well-known.

 

Age to age, You're still the same

By the power of the Name

 

"Erkamka na Adonai" ("We will love You, O Lord).

 

We will praise and lift You high

El-Shaddai