Adon Olan
Fortuna
The Eternal Sovereignty of the Divine in 'Adon Olan'
The song 'Adon Olan' by Fortuna is a beautiful rendition of a traditional Jewish hymn that praises the eternal sovereignty of God. The lyrics, written in Hebrew, are a poetic declaration of God's timeless existence and supreme authority over the universe. The hymn is often recited in Jewish liturgy, particularly at the conclusion of the morning service and during special occasions, underscoring its significance in Jewish worship and culture.
The opening lines, 'Adon olan, asher malach / Be terem kol ietsir nivrá,' translate to 'Lord of the world, who reigned / Before any form was created.' This sets the stage for the central theme of the song: the eternal nature of God, who existed before the creation of the world and continues to reign supreme. The lyrics emphasize that God's existence is independent of time and space, highlighting His omnipotence and omnipresence.
As the song progresses, it reinforces the idea of God's unchanging nature with lines like 'Ve hu haiá, ve hu hoveh / Ve hu ihié, ve hu ihié be tifará,' meaning 'He was, He is, and He will be in glory.' This repetition serves to remind the listener of the constancy and reliability of the divine presence. The hymn concludes with a powerful affirmation of God's eternal kingship, 'Levadó imloch norá,' which means 'He alone will reign in awe.' This final declaration encapsulates the awe and reverence that believers hold for the divine, celebrating God's perpetual and majestic rule over all creation.