Umbali tumetoka, na mahali tumefika
Ndio maana ninatambua, kwamba wewe ni ebeneza
Sio kwa uwezo wangu, ila ni kwa uwezo wako
Mahali nimefika, acha nikushukuru
EE Bwana umenisaidia, nifike mahali nimefika
Bwana wewe ni ebeneza, maishani mwangu oo
Ninataka Ebeneza, nijenge juu yako
Ninataka Ebeneza, uwe msingi yangu
Jiwe langu la pembeni, nakutamani sana
Jiwe langu la thamani, nakuhitaji sana
Oo Ebeneza, jiwe langu
Ninataka maisha yangu, yajengwe juu yako
NInataka ndoa yangu, ijengwe juu yako baba
Ndoa zilizojengwa juu yako yahwe, hazivunjiki kamwe
Nyumba zilizojengwa juu yako yahweh hazivunjiki kamwe
Ninataka uimbaji wangu baba, ujengwe juu yako
Maana wewe ni sauti yangu, wewe ni uzima wangu
Ninataka Ebeneza, nijenge juu yako
Ninataka Ebeneza, uwe msingi yangu
Jiwe langu la pembeni, nakutamani sana
Jiwe langu la thamani, nakuhitaji sana
Oo Ebeneza, jiwe langu
Ebeneza lang'a, libanga nangai ya tala
Ole kidya mape wolo papa ee kati na bomoyi nanga
Nzambe na kumisio, mokote ko nani nayo
Bisika nako milele o yahwe, ezali sela makasi nayo
Ninataka Ebeneza, nijenge juu yako
Ninataka Ebeneza, uwe msingi yangu
Jiwe langu la pembeni, nakutamani sana
Jiwe langu la thamani, nakuhitaji sana
Ninataka Ebeneza, nijenge juu yako
Ninataka Ebeneza, uwe msingi yangu
Jiwe langu la pembeni, nakutamani sana
Jiwe langu la thamani, nakuhitaji sana
Ebenezer ni jiwe langu, jiwe langu la msingi
Mahali nimefika leo, Ni kwa ajili yako ebeneza
Mawe mengi yako hapa chini ya jua
Kuna dhahabu, kuna almasi Kuna mawe hata sijui majina yake
Lakini hakutawahi kuwa jiwe kama ebeneza
Ebenezer- Angela Chibalonza
Ebenezer (Umbali tumetoka) Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Umbali Tumetoka" is a deeply spiritual and reflective song by Angela Chibalonza, a revered gospel artist whose music continues to touch hearts long after her passing. This song, also referred to by its key refrain "Ebenezer," serves as a testament to God's enduring guidance and support through life's journey. The title "Ebenezer" itself is derived from the Hebrew language, meaning "stone of help." This term is directly referenced from the Bible, making the song rich in scriptural allusions and spiritual significance.
### Meaning of the Song
The core message of "Umbali Tumetoka" revolves around acknowledging and celebrating God's unwavering presence and assistance in our lives. Chibalonza uses the metaphor of "Ebenezer" to express gratitude towards God for the journey so far, recognizing that it is not by her strength but by God's grace that she has come this far. The song is a personal and communal acknowledgment of divine aid, a celebration of God as the cornerstone and foundation of life.
### Lyrics Breakdown and Analysis
1. **Opening Lines:** The song begins with a personal reflection on the distance covered in life's journey, attributing every step and success to God's help. It's an invitation to the listener to also reflect on their journey and recognize God's hand in it.
2. **Chorus (Ebenezer):** The chorus is a declaration of God as the "Ebenezer," the rock of help on which life's foundations are laid. It's a pledge to build one's life, family, and endeavors upon this rock, acknowledging that anything built on God is secure and enduring.
3. **Verses on Personal and Communal Faith:** As the song progresses, Chibalonza expands the narrative to include not just personal faith, but also communal and familial faith. She expresses a desire for marriages, families, and even talents to be grounded in God's help and guidance.
4. **Acknowledgment of God's Uniqueness:** The lyrics also emphasize the uniqueness of God as the "Ebenezer" compared to other worldly treasures and foundations. This part of the song serves as a reminder of the incomparable nature of divine help and support.
### Bible Verse References
The song "Umbali Tumetoka" (Ebenezer) draws heavily from 1 Samuel 7:12, where Samuel took a stone and named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the Lord has helped us." This verse encapsulates the essence of the song, serving as a direct scriptural foundation for its message.
Additionally, the theme of God being a rock and foundation can be traced to several other Bible passages, including:
- **Psalm 18:2:** "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
- **Isaiah 26:4:** "Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal."
### Conclusion
"Umbali Tumetoka" by Angela Chibalonza is a powerful ode to divine providence and grace. Through its lyrics and heartfelt delivery, the song invites listeners to reflect on their spiritual journey, recognizing God's role as the ultimate source of help and foundation. It's a song that crosses personal and communal boundaries, encouraging a collective acknowledgment of God's steadfast presence in our lives.
