Verse 1
The Lord bless you and keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His face toward you
And give you peace
Interlude
The Lord bless you and keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His face toward you
And give you peace
Chorus
A - men
Amen, Amen
A - men
Amen, Amen
The Lord bless you and keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His face toward you
And give you peace
The Lord bless you and keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His face toward you
And give you peace
Zulu
Nomndeni wakho kanye nezingane zakho
Nezingane zabo nezingane zabo
Kwangathi ubukhona Bakhe bungahamba phambi kwakho
Ngemuva kwakho eceleni kwakho
Okuzungezile futhi ngaphakathi kuwe
Unawe ukuthi unawe
Ekuseni kusihlwa
Ekuzeni kwakho nasekuhambeni kwakho
Bridge 1
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children and their children
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children and their children
Bridge 2
May His presence go before you
And behind you and beside you
All around you and within you
He is with you he is with you
In the morning in the evening
In your coming and your going
In your weeping and rejoicing
He is for you He is for you
Tag
He is for you He is for you
He is for you He is for you
He is for you He is for you
He is for you He is for you
Bridge 3
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children and their children
May His presence go before you
And behind you and beside you
All around you and within you
He is with you he is with you
In the morning in the evening
In your coming and your going
-----------------------------------------------
Credits:
Creative Director and Producer: Donna Mathews
Editor – Nick Lear
Mixer – Graeme Duffin
Logo Design: Ryan Botha
Jericho Hendricks – Keys
Barbara-Marie – Violin
Xhosa Translation – Minah Koela and Nontando Shelby Mtsamayi
Vocal in order of first appearance
Verse 1
Muzi Gwayi
Kirsten Murphy-Rossiter
Sinoxolo Ganyaza
Lauren Stein
Chris Garvey
Tessa Barnes
Tihesha
Verse 2
Justin Zulu
Donna Mathews
Zimbini Hill
Bernie
Ryan Botha
Owethu Ndwandwe
Amen Chorus 1
Tamalyn-Jane and Mila Trefz
Sabrina Kamembo
Xhosa Verse 3
Minah Koela
Bridge
Sabrina Kamembo
Sarah-Jane Thomas
The Stauch Children
Nontando Shelby Mtsamayi
Amen Chorus Choir:
Georgie Peters
Will Theron
Monica Olivier
Cathy Green
To get in touch - email us at [email protected]
The Blessing South Africa Video
The Blessing South Africa Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"The Blessing South Africa" is a profoundly moving rendition of the song originally performed by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, and Elevation Worship. This version unites various artists from South Africa, showcasing a beautiful tapestry of cultures, languages, and voices. The song serves as a benediction, a prayer of protection, peace, and favor from God over His people. It resonates deeply with Christian faith, drawing directly from biblical scriptures to impart a timeless blessing that transcends geographical and racial barriers.
### Meaning and Lyrics Breakdown
#### Opening Verses
The song opens with the lines, "The Lord bless you and keep you / Make His face shine upon you / And be gracious to you." This directly echoes the priestly blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26, where Aaron and his sons were instructed to bless the Israelites. The request for God's face to shine upon someone is a plea for God's presence, favor, and peace. It's a prayer for God to look kindly upon His people, offering them grace and mercy.
#### Chorus: "Amen"
The chorus is a simple yet profound "Amen," which means "so be it" in Hebrew. This affirmation roots the song in a place of faith and agreement with God's promises. It is a declaration of trust in God's ability to bring about His will, as stated in the blessing.
#### Bridge and Zulu Verse
The bridge expands the blessing to future generations, praying for God's favor upon one's family and descendants, reflecting the promise God made to Abraham in Genesis 22:17-18 about his offspring being as numerous as the stars and blessed to be a blessing to others. The inclusion of a verse in Zulu adds a unique South African flavor to the song, emphasizing unity and the desire for God's presence in every aspect of life, not just for the individual but for the community at large.
### Bible Verse References
- **Numbers 6:24-26:** The primary source of the song, where God commands how Aaron is to bless the Israelites, seeking God's peace and favor upon His people.
- **Genesis 22:17-18:** The promise of blessing to Abraham's descendants, which is echoed in the bridge's prayer for favor upon "a thousand generations."
- **Deuteronomy 28:6:** The song's prayer for God's presence in every moment of life, "In your coming and your going," mirrors this verse's blessings for those who follow God's commands.
### Conclusion
"The Blessing South Africa" does more than just offer a prayer; it unites diverse voices in a common faith, emphasizing the power of blessing across generations and cultures. It's a declaration of God's sovereignty and His desire for His people's well-being. The song is a beautiful reminder of the Christian belief in a God who is not distant but deeply involved in the lives of His children, offering peace, protection, and favor.
