Baruch Adonai/ El Shaddai (Medley)
Paul Wilbur
Praising the Almighty: A Dive into Paul Wilbur's 'Baruch Adonai/El Shaddai (Medley)'
Paul Wilbur's 'Baruch Adonai/El Shaddai (Medley)' is a song of worship and praise that combines Hebrew and English lyrics to express reverence and adoration for God. The song is a medley, meaning it blends two songs into one continuous piece, and it is characteristic of Wilbur's musical style, which often includes elements of Messianic worship and traditional Jewish music.
The lyrics begin with 'Baruch Adonai Elohey Yisrael,' which translates to 'Blessed is the Lord God of Israel.' This phrase sets the tone for the song, which is a declaration of God's blessedness and sovereignty. The repetition of 'Min ha-olam v'ad ha-olam,' meaning 'from eternity to eternity,' emphasizes the eternal nature of God and His everlasting praise. The song encourages not only Israel but all nations to join in the praise of God, reflecting a theme of unity and inclusiveness in worship.
The latter part of the song speaks to the power and victory found in God's presence, with references to biblical concepts such as 'Jehova Nissi,' which means 'The Lord is my Banner,' and 'El Shaddai,' a name for God meaning 'God Almighty.' The lyrics convey a message of faith and trust in God's ability to overcome obstacles and provide for His people. The song is both a celebration of God's attributes and a reminder of the strength and protection He offers to those who believe.