Ma Ashiv (What Shall I Render To The Lord)

Panai El Adonai's song 'Ma Ashiv (What Shall I Render To The Lord)' is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and reverence towards God. The lyrics, sung in Hebrew, are deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition and draw inspiration from the Psalms, particularly Psalm 116. The song opens with the question, 'Ma ashiv l’Adonai,' which translates to 'What shall I render to the Lord?' This sets the tone for a reflective and thankful dialogue with the divine, acknowledging the countless blessings and mercies received.

The recurring lines 'Ki chilats’ta nafshi mimavet, Et eini min dim’a' translate to 'For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears.' These lines emphasize the theme of deliverance and salvation, highlighting a personal experience of being saved from despair and suffering. The imagery of being rescued from death and having tears wiped away is powerful and evocative, suggesting a profound transformation and renewal of life. The singer pledges to 'walk before the Lord in the land of the living,' signifying a commitment to live a life of faith and devotion in response to God's saving grace.

The song also references Jerusalem, 'Betochechi Yerushalayim,' and the courts of the Lord's house, 'Bechatserot beit Adonai,' grounding the spiritual experience in a specific cultural and religious context. Jerusalem, as a symbol of divine presence and spiritual home, adds a layer of communal and historical significance to the personal narrative of salvation. The act of lifting the 'cup of salvation' and calling upon the name of the Lord, 'Kos yeshu’ot esa, U’veshem Adonai ekra,' is a ritualistic expression of thanksgiving, reinforcing the themes of gratitude and worship. Through its poetic and sacred language, 'Ma Ashiv' invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of divine intervention and to respond with heartfelt gratitude and devotion.