“El Shaddai” is a contemporary Christian music song from 1981 written by Michael Card and John Thompson, using direct quotes from scripture. It was a favorite of many, including me. Click to listen. (Please forgive any popup ads)
Okay. What did he just say?
El shaddai is generally understood as “God Almighty.” El is seen today in names like Daniel (“God is my judge”) and Elizabeth (“God is my oath”).
El-elyon means “God most high.”
Adonai means “Lord” and is often substituted for Yahweh or Jehovah. The ai at the end is possessive, therefore, “my Lord.” Na is an entreaty or exclamation. Thus this phrase can be “please, my Lord,” or an emphatic “Lord!” Na is also found in the word manna, which is translated as “what is it?” or just “?!”
Erkamka na Adonai is based on Psalm 18:1, I love you, Lord, my strength (NIV); therefore, meaning “I love you, my Lord.” Psalm 18:1 is the only place that the Hebrew Bible uses this verb for love.
The song continues by referencing many of God’s mighty acts:
Through your love and through the ram,
You saved the son of Abraham; [Genesis 22]
Through the power of your hand,
Turned the sea into dry land. [Exodus 14]
To the outcast on her knees,
You were the God who really sees, [Genesis 16]
And by your might,
You set your children free.
Through the years you’ve made it clear,
That the time of Christ was near,
Though the people couldn’t see
What Messiah ought to be. [see John 1: 9-10]
Though your word contained the plan,
They just could not understand
Your most awesome work was done
Through the frailty of your Son. [Isaiah 53]
El shaddai, el shaddai,
El-elyon na adonai,
Age to age you’re still the same,
By the power of the Name*.
El shaddai, el shaddai,
Erkamka na adonai,
I will praise you ’till I die,
El shaddai.
*Hebrews do not speak the name of God; that would be a forbidden misuse [Exodus 20:7]. Instead, they write “G-d,” and they say Hashem, which means “the Name.”
Therefore, with a nod to the Aaronic Blessing:
El Shaddai bless you and keep you;
El elyon make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
Adonai turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Amen.
