Adonai is His name
By Julia Fowler, Worship Arts Pastor
The song Adonai has recently become one of my favorite spiritual songs. It references this name of God in a beautiful way, but I'm often ask by individuals what in the world the name means.
In the Hebrew the word Adonai simply means Lord: a name that implies and signifies that a relationship exists between the owner of the name (Adonai) and the one who speaks it. A quick search of the term in the Hebrew scriptures indicates that this particular word appears more than 300 times. An even further search indicates that the word Adonai signifies a relationship much like that of a master to a servant. When we approach God using this name we are approaching Him acknowledging that He is the one in charge, and rightfully so. Later on in the New Testament Jesus Himself models for us the type of relationship with Adonai that should exist. He prays, "Not my will, but Thine" before he faces His most difficult hour. He surrenders all that he is so that God, in His fullness, would be glorified. (NIV Luke 22:42)
When we sing "Ever I will sing, only you will I adore, glorify my Lord, only you will I serve" our words are declaring our intent to be submissive to this type of relationship with God.
I know that being a servant is not the easiest thing in the world-probably not the 2nd or 3rd easiest either-sometimes it is downright miserable. But fortunately Jesus gave us some excellent examples, and He also gave us brothers and sisters (in Christ) who can also help us when times get tough and we forget who's we are. Well I hope this helped to clear up some of the questions regarding this name of the Lord and more importantly hope it will help you to think more about what it means the next time you hear it or sing it! :)
Post a Comment