Verse :
Nikasikia sauti nyikani
Tengenezeni njiya yake,
nyosheni mapito yake
Sogeleeni kiti cha neema
Mpate utakaso
Oh what a blessing
Oh what a grace
Heri aoshae (afuae),
Kanzu yake ndani ya damu
Akiliamini neno alilo ambiwa nae
Atakua kama Mti kando ya maji
Majani yake huyo,
Yatakua ma bichi daima.
Chorus :
Heri walio na hilo agano
Wanaye Mungu Kama mwokozi wao
Watasitawi nyumbani mwake
Hao wataitwa wana wa upendo.
Tutasitawi nyumbani mwake
Sisi, tutaitwa wana waupendo
Verse :
moyo wangu, Sifu mungu
sifu mungu sifu mungu
- Nuru ilikuangaziya We Uliye mpole,
Utairithi inchi, Utafarijiwa
- Nuru ilikuangaziya mwenye moyo safi Utabarikiwa, Utamuona mungu
Bridge :
Heri taifa ambalo Bwana ni mungu wao,
Ni wana wa upendo
Aliyo wachagulia, kuwa urithi wake.
Israel Mbonyi - Heri Taifa
Heri Taifa Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The song "Heri Taifa" by Israel Mbonyi was released on July 30, 2024. The title translates to "Blessed is the Nation".
The lyrics draw heavily on biblical themes, beginning with a call reminiscent of preparing the way for the Lord, urging listeners to make His paths straight. There is an invitation to approach the "throne of grace" to receive cleansing and blessing, described as a result of divine grace. The song speaks of those who cleanse their robes in the blood, emphasizing faith in God's word as a source of stability and perpetual freshness, likened to a tree planted by water.
The chorus highlights the blessedness of those who have a covenant with God, acknowledging Him as their savior. Such individuals are said to thrive in His presence and are identified as "children of love." This state of flourishing and belonging is extended to the collective, stating "we" will thrive and be called children of love.
Further verses include a personal declaration for the soul to praise God. The lyrics also incorporate elements resembling the Beatitudes, blessing those who are gentle, stating they shall inherit the earth and be comforted. Similarly, blessing is pronounced upon those with a pure heart, who will be blessed and see God. The bridge reinforces the central theme, declaring the blessedness of the nation whose God is the Lord, identifying them as children of love chosen by Him as His heritage.
Several scripture verses resonate with the themes presented in the song. The call to prepare the way is found in Isaiah 40:3 and echoed in the Gospels (Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:3, Luke 3:4, John 1:23). The concept of approaching the throne of grace is found in Hebrews 4:16. The imagery of washing robes in the blood is present in Revelation 7:14. Being like a tree by the water is described in Psalm 1:3. The Beatitudes concerning the meek inheriting the earth (Matthew 5:5) and the pure in heart seeing God (Matthew 5:8) are reflected. The core message of the title and bridge, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord," is a direct quote from Psalm 33:12, which also mentions God choosing a nation as His heritage.