Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder Consider all the worlds thy hands have made I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed
Az ya'al shir beshevach gdulatcha Adir shimcha, nisgav ata
Ya'al shiri el kes tifartecha
Nisa varam kadosh ata
How great, how great
Great and marvelous is Your Name How great, how great
Great and greatly to be praised
When Messiah shall come with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I will bow in humble adoration
And there proclaim, "my God how great thou art!"
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee How great Thou Art, How great thou art
How great, how great
Great and marvelous is Your Name How great, how great
Great and greatly to be praised
Az ya'al shir beshevach gdulatcha Adir shimcha, nisgav ata
Ya'al shiri el kes tifartecha
Nisa varam Kadosh ata
HEBREW! How Great is our God / Gadol Elohai by Joshua Aaron in Jerusalem, Israel / Messianic Worship
How Great Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"How Great" by Joshua Aaron is a Messianic worship song released on March 29, 2013, capturing profound themes of divine majesty and eschatological hope. The song blends elements of traditional worship with expressions rooted in an Israel-centric faith perspective. Its powerful message is conveyed through both English and Hebrew lyrics, creating a rich tapestry of praise to God. The accompanying video, filmed in Jerusalem, Israel, provides a visual backdrop that enhances the spiritual connection to the Holy Land, a significant element within Messianic worship.
The English lyrics, drawing heavily from the structure and sentiment of the classic hymn "How Great Thou Art," begin with a reflection on the vastness of creation. Phrases like "Consider all the worlds thy hands have made" and observing "the stars, I hear the rolling thunder" underscore the immense power and glory of God displayed throughout the universe. This initial section establishes a sense of awe and wonder at the Creator's handiwork, recognizing that His power is universally evident. The progression from cosmic reflection to personal adoration is central to this part of the song.
A distinctive element is the inclusion of Hebrew lyrics, adding a layer of worship language deeply connected to ancient Israelite tradition. Placed strategically within the song, these lines serve as direct declarations of God's attributes. The phrases "Az ya'al shir beshevach gdulatcha Adir shimcha, nisgav ata" translate to something like "Then let a song ascend in praise of Your greatness, Mighty is Your Name, You are exalted." Followed by "Ya'al shiri el kes tifartecha Nisa varam Kadosh ata," meaning "Let my song ascend to Your glorious throne, Lifted high and exalted, You are holy." These Hebrew verses function as heartfelt petitions and declarations, affirming God's might, exalted nature, and holiness, directly addressing Him in a language resonant with biblical prayer and praise.
The core declaration of the song is found in its repeated chorus: "How great, how great, Great and marvelous is Your Name, How great, how great, Great and greatly to be praised." This central refrain encapsulates the overarching message, focusing on the unparalleled greatness of God and the necessity of offering Him abundant praise. The emphasis on God's Name signifies His character, authority, and presence, acknowledging that His very identity is worthy of ultimate honor and worship. This section acts as an anchor, reinforcing the theme of divine majesty proclaimed throughout the song.
The latter part of the English lyrics introduces an eschatological hope, looking forward to the return of Messiah. The lines "When Messiah shall come with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart" express a profound anticipation of this future event. This hope is linked to a promised moment of intimate worship, where the worshipper will "bow in humble adoration And there proclaim, 'my God how great thou art!'" This section beautifully connects present adoration rooted in creation's testimony with future worship in the presence of the returning Messiah, highlighting the enduring and ultimate reason for declaring God's greatness. The reprise of "Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee, How great Thou Art, How great thou art" serves as a personal, soul-level response to both the present reality of God's power and the future hope of His coming.
The themes explored in the lyrics find resonance throughout scripture. The opening lines reflecting on creation echo passages like Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork," or Romans 1:20, which speaks of God's eternal power and divine nature being clearly perceived through what has been made. The anticipation of Messiah's return and the joy associated with it are central to New Testament hope, referenced in passages such as 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 regarding the Lord's descent and gathering of believers. The emphasis on God's great and marvelous Name connects to numerous biblical declarations, including Psalm 8:1, "O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!" and Psalm 145:3, "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable." The act of humble adoration in His presence is a recurring picture of worship found throughout both the Old and New Testaments (e.g., Revelation 4:10-11). The blend of English and Hebrew lyrics and the setting in Jerusalem further ground the song in the biblical narrative and geographical context central to the stories of creation, covenant, and Messiah's work.
