Joshua Aaron - Psalm 121 (Lai Lai Lai) Lyrics
Lyrics
Esa einai el heharim
Me'ayin yavo ezri?
Ezri me'im Adonai
Oseh shamayim va'aretz
Al yiten lamot raglekha
Al yanum shomrekha
Hineh lo yanum v'lo yiyshan
Shomer Yisrael
Lai, lai, lai
Adonai shomrekha Adonai Tsilkha
Alyad yeminekha
Yomam hashemesh lo yakeka
V'yareach balaila
Lai, lai, lai
Adonai yishmorkha mikol ra
Yishmor et nafshekha
Adonai yishmor tse'atkha
Uvo'ekha me'ata vad olam
Lai, lai, lai
Video
Psalm 121 in HEBREW! בעברית // LIVE at the TOWER of DAVID, Jerusalem // Joshua Aaron // Esa Einai
Meaning & Inspiration
Joshua Aaron's rendition of Psalm 121, subtitled "Lai Lai Lai," released on June 15, 2019, and performed live at the Tower of David in Jerusalem, is more than just a musical piece; it is a profound journey into the heart of divine protection and unwavering hope. The song, presented in its original Hebrew, doesn't aim to offer a new melody but instead to amplify the timeless words of the Psalmist, drawing listeners into a deeply spiritual experience. The genesis of this song lies directly within the ancient Hebrew text of Psalm 121, a powerful declaration of faith addressed by a pilgrim ascending to Jerusalem. The central question, "From where will my help come?" sets the stage for the resounding answer: "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." This is not a passive reliance, but an active acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over all creation, a truth echoed in Genesis 1:1 and Nehemiah 9:6, which similarly point to God as the divine architect of the universe.
The song’s message unfolds as a reassurance against the anxieties and dangers of the journey. The plea, "He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber," is a beautiful affirmation that God's vigilance is constant. Unlike human watchmen who require rest, the Divine Guardian is perpetually awake, a concept reinforced by Isaiah 40:28, which states that the Lord "does not grow weary or faint." This is the essence of the "Shomer Yisrael" – the Keeper of Israel – a title that extends His protective care not only to individuals but to His chosen people as a whole. The repetition of "Lai, lai, lai," while seemingly simple, acts as a contemplative refrain, a peaceful hum that allows the weight of the Psalm’s promises to settle deep within the soul.
Further reinforcing the theme of divine safeguarding, Aaron’s presentation emphasizes the protective embrace of God. "The Lord watches over you; the Lord is your shade at your right hand" paints a vivid picture of a close and constant presence. This imagery of shade and proximity is reminiscent of Deuteronomy 33:12, where Benjamin is described as dwelling securely in the Lord, who "enfolds him all day long." The assurance that "the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night" speaks to a protection that extends through all circumstances, both visible and hidden, echoing the Psalmist's confidence that God’s watchfulness transcends temporal boundaries.
The final verses of the song culminate in a powerful declaration of comprehensive divine protection: "The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." This is not a superficial promise of shielding from minor inconveniences, but a deep assurance of preservation from all manner of evil, safeguarding not just the physical body but the very essence of life, the soul, or "nefesh." This comprehensive care is a promise that underpins the entire biblical narrative, from the protection offered to Noah in Genesis 7:23 to the eternal salvation promised to believers, a truth echoed in John 10:28-29 where Jesus assures His followers that no one can snatch them from His hand, and they will have eternal life. Joshua Aaron’s "Psalm 121 (Lai Lai Lai)" is a magnificent and inspiring testament to the enduring power of Scripture, offering a profound and deeply human connection to the unfailing watchfulness and steadfast love of God, especially relevant for anyone navigating the complexities of life's journeys.