El Shaddai — God Almighty, Yesterday, Today, and Forever
Worship has a special way of connecting us to the eternal truths of Scripture. Some songs feel like they could have been sung thousands of years ago — and El Shaddai is one of them.
El Shaddai — God Almighty, Yesterday, Today, and Forever
Worship has a special way of connecting us to the eternal truths of Scripture. Some songs feel like they could have been sung thousands of years ago — and El Shaddai is one of them. Written by Michael Card and popularized by Amy Grant, it invites us to worship the same God who spoke to Abraham, led Israel, and fulfilled His promises in Jesus Christ.
The name El Shaddai means “God Almighty” (Genesis 17:1). When God appeared to Abraham with this name, He reaffirmed His everlasting covenant — a promise that He would make Abraham the father of many nations and bless all peoples through his descendants (Genesis 17:4–5). As we sing these ancient words, we echo the faith of Abraham, trusting in a God who never changes (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8).
The verses of El Shaddai recall God’s mighty acts:
- His deliverance of Israel from Egypt (Exodus 6:2–8)
- His guidance through the wilderness (Deuteronomy 1:30–31)
- His faithfulness despite the unfaithfulness of His people (2 Timothy 2:13)
The song also points to the ultimate fulfillment of His covenant promises in Jesus, the Messiah. As Seventh-day Adventists, we see this as part of God’s great plan of redemption, stretching from Eden to the New Earth (Revelation 21:1–4). The God who was with His people in ancient times is the same God who is with us today — guiding us toward that promised future.
One line stands out: “Though Your word contained the plan, they just could not understand.” This is a sobering reminder that God’s ways are often beyond human comprehension (Isaiah 55:8–9). Yet He patiently reveals His purposes to those who seek Him through prayer, study, and obedience (John 16:13; Psalm 119:105).
When we sing El Shaddai, we join a chorus that spans thousands of years. We sing with Abraham by the oak at Mamre, with Miriam on the shores of the Red Sea, with the disciples who walked with Jesus, and with the faithful of every age — all worshipping the Almighty who keeps His promises.
In these closing days of earth’s history, may we live with the same trust, hope, and steadfast faith, knowing that El Shaddai — God Almighty — will finish the good work He has begun in us (Philippians 1:6).