Sunday, February 4, 2024 the Pender Sanctuary Choir sang El Shaddai as arranged by Amy Grant and further arranged by Pender’s Director of Music Ministry, Patrick King.
During the Traditional Service on February 4, 2024, Pender’s sanctuary was imbued with the spiritual tapestry of song as the Sanctuary Choir, under the masterful direction of Patrick King, lifted their voices in a moving rendition of "El Shaddai." This particular arrangement, a harmonious blend of Amy Grant's touch and King's unique vision, filled the sacred space with an aura of reverence and awe.
"El Shaddai," a melody that draws its powerful lyrics from the scriptural portrayal of God, was first brought to life by Michael Card and John Thompson in the early '80s. Michael Card, a profound scholar and artist, has woven his faith into over three decades of music, crafting hit after hit, with "El Shaddai" being one of his most renowned works. This song, in its essence, is a quest to capture the enigmatic nature of the divine through the ancient Hebrew names of God, each name a key to the unfathomable relationship between the Creator and His creation.
The Pender Sanctuary Choir's performance was not just an offertory but a profound homage to the timeless quest of hymn writers throughout the ages—a quest to give voice to the voiceless wonder of the divine. As the choir sang, the congregation was transported through the annals of biblical history, from the covenant with Abraham and Isaac to the deliverance at the Red Sea, and finally to the Messianic prophecies fulfilled in Christ.
Michael Card, whose journey from the halls of Western Kentucky University to the honor of a doctorate from Philadelphia Biblical University, has always emphasized the importance of community and relationships in Christian growth. His storied career, marked by accolades such as the Dove Awards and millions of albums sold, is a testament to his commitment to exploring and expressing faith through music and writing.
As the last notes of "El Shaddai" resonated within the church walls, the profound and enduring impact of this piece, awarded the Dove Song of the Year in 1983, was felt by all present. It was a moment that transcended time, linking the congregation with the faithful of the past and the powerful biblical narratives that continue to inspire and guide. The day was a reminder that through music, the spirit of worship and the stories of sacred texts are ever alive, ever stirring the souls of those who seek to encounter the Almighty, the "El Shaddai."
Biblical scholar J. Hampton Keathley III has described the context of the song:
“El Shaddai: God Almighty. The derivation is uncertain. Some think it stresses God’s loving supply and comfort; others His power as the Almighty one standing on a mountain and who corrects and chastens (Genesis 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; Exodus 6:31; Psalm 91:1, 2).
“El Elyon: The Most High God. Stresses God’s strength, sovereignty and supremacy (Genesis 14:19; Psalm. 9:2; Daniel 7:18, 22, 25).
“El Olam: The Everlasting God. Emphasizes God’s unchangeableness and is connected with His inexhaustibleness (Genesis 16:13).
“Yahweh (YHWH): Comes from a verb which means “to exist, be.” This, plus its usage, shows that this name stresses God as the independent and self-existent God of revelation and redemption (Genesis 4:3; Exodus 6:3 (cf. 3:14); 3:12).
The UM Hymnal contains only the refrain for the sake of space. The stanzas discuss God’s faithful acts as told in the biblical witness, including Abraham and Isaac, the parting of the waters during the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt (stanza one) and the prophecies of the coming of the Messiah and the fulfillment of Christ’s mission (stanza two).
