Photo by Dan Gold
Elevation Worship is a church-based rock band that gained prominence over the last decade. Forming in 2007, they released 20 albums and 8 EP’s throughout their prestigious career.
Also, check out my other eighteen Elevation Worship reviews.
Maverick City Music is a collective that acts as a congregation that sings together. They released six EP’s and three albums, including:
- Maverick City Vol. 1 EP (2019)
- Maverick City Vol. 2 EP (2019)
- Maverick City Vol. 3, Part 1 (2020)
- Maverick City Vol. 3, Part 2 (2020)
- You Hold It All Together (EP, 2020)
- Maverick City Christmas (EP, 2020)
- Move Your Heart (EP, 2021)
- Jubilee (EP, 2021)
- Como En El Cielo (Spanish, 2021)
Also, check out my reviews of Getting Ready, The Story I’ll Tell, Man of Your Word, Promises, Refiner and You Keep on Getting Better.
Lyrics can be found at https://genius.com/Elevation-worship-and-maverick-city-music-jireh-lyrics.
NOTE: Since there are two artists, I will refer to them as Elevation and Maverick throughout this review.
Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site! Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review. I strongly encourage you to consider the potential blessings and dangers of this artist‘s theology by visiting Resources.
1. What message does the song communicate?
This song’s primary points are:
- They are loved by God
- God is their provider
- God is enough, in fact, more than enough
It also makes other points about God, themselves, and other statements that are erroneous or unclear:
God:
- Does not love more or less based on performance
- Cannot be forced to descend because of man
- Will say “Good and faithful servant” to good and faithful servants
- Knows
- Power made perfect in us
Themselves:
- They do not always put God first
- Are adopted children of God
Erroneous/Unclear:
- Potential Word of Faith proclamation, that God will rescue them from their problems. Sometimes God allows us to struggle to make us better people.
Side Note: To those sensitive to massive repetition, Bridge 1 essentially repeats the same seven lines three times. In Refrain 1, the phrase “That is enough” appears 16 times, often in succession, before switching to “You are enough” which appears 10 times. Bridge 2 and Refrain 2 also heavily rely on repetition with little new information to add.
Score: 9/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
All of this song is Biblical.
[Verse 1]
Line 1: God’s love does not change because He does not change (Numbers 23:19, Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8, and James 1:17).
Line 2: Elevation and Maverick haven’t always lived for God (Genesis 8:21, Job 15:14-16, Psalm 14:2-3, Psalm 51:5, Proverbs 22:15, Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 3:10-18, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12, Romans 6:23, and Ephesians 2:2-3).
Line 3: Elevation and Maverick cannot lower God’s position. This is so because God is sovereign (Genesis 1:1, Deuteronomy 4:39, Deuteronomy 10:14, Joshua 2:11, Nehemiah 9:6, Psalm 29:10, Psalm 45:6, Psalm 50:7-15, Psalm 93:1-2, Psalm 115:3, Psalm 135:6, Isaiah 43:13, Isaiah 45:9-10, Isaiah 46:10, Lamentations 5:19, Daniel 4:35, Romans 9:19-21, Ephesians 1:11, Hebrews 1:8, James 4:15, Revelation 4:11, and Revelation 20:11).
Lines 4 and 5: See line 1.
Line 6: Repeats line 1, with a small Casper the friendly ghost reference.
[Verse 2]
Lines 1-4: How do Elevation and Maverick know that God will rescue them from their storm? Perhaps He will allow it to better their character (Romans 5:3-5, Hebrews 12:4-11, and James 1:2-4). This potentially falls in line with the Word of Faith error. Alternatively, one could interpret this as “spiritual death”, which would align with John 6:39, John 17:12, and John 18:9.
Line 5: In terms of personal relationship, this moment is the closest Elevation and Maverick have been to God.
[Chorus]
Line 1: Appeal to the crowd to join in singing.
Line 2: To be more specific, Jehovah-Jireh (or YHVH yir-eh), which means “The Lord Provides” (Genesis 22:14). He is their portion (Numbers 18:20, Deuteronomy 10:9, Deuteronomy 18:2, Joshua 13:33, Psalm 16:5, Psalm 23:5, Psalm 73:26, Psalm 142:5, Psalm 119:57, Psalm 142:5, Lamentations 3:24, and Ezekiel 44:28).
Line 3: Essentially repeats line 2.
Lines 4 and 5: Elevation and Maverick obey Philippians 4:11-13.
Line 6: Essentially repeats line 2.
[Post-Chorus]
Line 1: See Chorus, line 2.
Line 2: There is an overflow of blessing from God that transcends Elevation and Maverick’s requests (Psalm 23:5 and Ephesians 3:20).
Lines 3 and 4: Repeats lines 1 and 2.
[Verse 3]
Lines 1 and 2: That, is, loved (see Verse 1, line 1).
Line 3: That is, Jireh is enough. See Chorus, line 2.
Line 4: I’m not sure why they would add “when the sun goes down” because God is with them. Period (Deuteronomy 31:6-8, Joshua 1:5-9, Psalm 23:4, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 139:7-10, Isaiah 41:10, Jeremiah 23:23-24, Zephaniah 3:17, Matthew 6:25-34, Matthew 28:20, John 14:16-17, Hebrews 13:5, Romans 8:38-39, and Revelation 3:20). But, adding a qualifier doesn’t make it untrue.
Line 5: Essentially repeats line 1.
[Bridge 1]
Line 1: See Verse 1, line 1.
Line 2: That is, adopted (John 1:12-13, John 14:18, Romans 8:14-17, Romans 8:23, Romans 9:1-8, Galatians 3:26, Galatians 4:5-7, Ephesians 1:3-14, Ephesians 2:11-22, Hebrews 9:15, and 1 John 3:1-3).
Lines 3 and 4: That is, loved, based on lines 5 and 6. See Verse 1, line 1.
Line 5: See Verse 1, line 1.
Line 6: See Post-Chorus, line 2.
Line 7: See Post-Chorus, line 1. Combined with another slight Casper reference.
Lines 8-23: Essentially repeats lines 1-7.
Line 24: That is, God knows all the things Elevation and Maverick described in lines 1-7. This is implicit because God knows everything (1 Kings 8:39, 1 Chronicles 28:9, Psalm 44:21, Psalm 139:4, Psalm 147:4-5, Isaiah 40:28, Matthew 10:30, John 16:30, John 21:17, Acts 1:24, Hebrews 4:13, and 1 John 3:20).
[Refrain 1]
Line 1: Essentially repeats Bridge 1, line 7.
Line 2: That is, the truth that Elevation and Maverick are loved. See Verse 1, line 2.
Line 3: Essentially repeats Bridge 1, line 7.
Line 4: See line 2.
Lines 5-7: Essentially repeats Bridge 1, line 7.
Line 8: That is, YHVH. See relevant link in Chorus, line 2.
Line 9: This is one of God’s names that appears in Genesis 17:1 and Genesis 35:11. It is commonly translated as “God Almighty”, but is probably better understood as All-Sufficient One.
Line 10: God is most important to Elevation and Maverick (Philippians 3:8-10).
Line 11: Clarifies the “You” in line 10 as Jesus.
Line 12: Essentially repeats Bridge 1, line 7.
Line 13: Line 3: See Post-Chorus, line 1.
Lines 14 and 15: See Chorus, line 2.
Line 16: Essentially repeats Post-Chorus, line 2.
Line 17: See Post-Chorus, line 1.
Line 18: This line recognizes that Elevation and Maverick are enough because God paid their penalty (Isaiah 53:1-12, Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45, John 1:29, John 3:16, John 19:30, Acts 4:12, Acts 20:28, Romans 5:6-10, Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 1:3-4, Galatians 3:13, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 2:14, 1 Timothy 2:6, Titus 2:14, Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:15, Hebrews 9:22, Hebrews 9:26, 1 Peter 1:17-21, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 1:18-19, 1 John 1:7, 1 John 2:1-2, and Revelation 5:9). It recognizes that their only adequacy is God.
[Bridge 2]
Lines 1-8: This borrows from Matthew 6:25-30 in connection with Elevation and Maverick’s theme of God as provider.
Lines 9-19: Essentially repeats different parts of lines 1-8.
Lines 20-22: Since God provides for us, what is the purpose of worrying (Matthew 6:31-32)?
Line 23: Elevation and Maverick state that One who is the embodiment of love (1 John 4:8) loves them, shown through provision.
Line 24: Repeats line 23.
Lines 25-29: Essentially repeats line 7.
[Refrain 2]
Lines 1 and 2: Borrows from Ephesians 3:20-21.
Lines 3-25: Repeats or derivative from previous lines in this song except for line 14. This comes from 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Score: 10/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
Jireh is enough for Elevation and Maverick. Jireh loves and chooses them, providing for them.
Whose Jireh? Based on Bridge 2 and Refrain 2, unbelievers might think it’s Christian. Though it mentions God as provider, that could be any deity. The name of Jesus is mentioned once inside, in the context of an avalanche of lyrics! I couldn’t blame an unbeliever for missing it. My money is that most will think it’s a deity that the artist loves, but it may not necessarily be Christ that comes to mind.
Score: 6/10
4. What does this song glorify?
Though glorifies God that Elevation and Maverick draw attention to His Providence, its possible Word of Faith statement slightly veils it.
Score: 9/10
Closing Comments
Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music’s Jireh is decent. Though I enjoy Elevation and Maverick’s message, that God is enough, provides, and loves, their song contains a potential Word of Faith reference. Unbelievers will probably know it’s about a deistic provider, but not necessarily Jesus.
While this song is not my personal favorite, those who disagree with me on my examination may want to consider it for corporate worship.
Final Score: 9/10
Artist Info
Track: Jireh (listen to the song)
Artist: Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music (Feat. Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore)
Album: Old Church Basement
Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)
Release Year: 2021
Duration: 9:59
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
Updates:
02/15/2022 – Updated review to remain consistent with others with a similar critique, raising this song’s score from 8/10 to 9/10.
09/24/2021 – Thanks to Wyatt Erickson for questioning my recommendation! I changed it from “I don’t recommend” to “It’s not for me, but you might want to take a look at it”.
09/14/2021 – Per Artist Theology announcement, I expanded the red text to encourage others to study Elevation Worship’s theology.
06/07/2021: After prayerfully considering Emmanuel’s comments, much of my criticism was edited out, drastically raising this song’s score from 5/10 to 8/10.
Comments
Wendy Morgan-Lampier
I disagree that there is a word of faith element here.
2 Cor 4:8-10 promises that God will not allow our “problems” to do us in. That is exactly what is being sung here. “Going through the storm, but I won’t go down”. This is saying we will indeed have troubles but scripture promises He is with us IN the troubles. That is very biblical. We have a very near and dear Lord and that is what this song is all about
Abbs
The line “Wasn’t holding you up, so there’s nothing I can do to let you down” is a phrase coined by Steven Furtick, who is also one of the writers of the song. In the context, he is talking about disappointing God – the phrase ‘let you down’ is the equivalent of disappoint.
To disappoint means to fail to meet the expectations of.
In the best interpretation of that line, it is simply saying that God’s expectations for us are already fully met in Christ, because He sees Christ’s perfection rather than our sin. Therefore, even when we do sin, He is not ‘disappointed’ (we have not ‘let Him down’) because His approval of us is no longer dependent on us but on Christ.
In the worst interpretation of that line, it is saying that we always meet God’s standards by our own strength and never fail to meet them. Thus, we never sin. This is obviously biblically inaccurate.
The first interpretation makes the most sense in the context of the rest of the song, because the message of the song is that God is sufficient for us. We don’t have to be sufficient – Christ’s perfection is sufficient in our place. He is enough. This line does not seem inaccurate to me within the context of the rest of the song.
Eriife
Hi Author, kinda new here. I didn’t get the Casper the Friendly Ghost reference, haha. Is it an inside joke or would you mind explaining?
Vince Wright
Eriife,
Great question!
This is meant to be a running joke that pokes fun at the “ooh”s, “aah”s, and similar filler in Christian music.
-Vince Wright
Ron Onimous
Thanks for that clarification. I, too, sometimes tire of the repetition in the “praise & worship” music that seems to fill most Christian radio for the last couple decades.
When I first heard this song, I wasn’t particularly impressed, especially at the repetition of “Jireh”, and its uncoupling from “Jehovah”.
However, after hearing it several times (thanks to K-Love), I began to hear the praise of a God who gives us what we need and rescues us.
Hearing this sung now brings tears of thankfulness and comfort. Our God is enough – forever enough, always enough He is working in us. He loves us unconditionally.
A
Very nicely said. Happy to hear you “get it” now. Praise and worship is not an act and sometimes repetitive singing is truly just a time of reflection and praise to our God. This is one of my favorite songs, Jireh my provider is enough. People who don’t get it, may not have had experience in authentic worship. I hope they too will come to see worship and worship music for what it truly is, and be immersed in a time of worshiping God…a whole hearted, humbled, attitude of gratitude and awe toward the One who made us all. 🙏
Amber
I assumed Jireh meant Jehovah Jireh, my provider, from the book of Genesis. One of the names of God. I think the worship team knows this. It’s not something only their pastor said or knew. It is a name of God, one of the 7 names found in the Bible. I believe Maverick, a co-writer of the song, has used other names of God in there other songs. So I’m thinking that statement is incorrect. I learned about them in church. If you are unfamiliar, I strongly suggest you research them. These names for our God, still the One God – many names to describe the power of the Lord Jesus Christ – they are all powerful and something we should all know and be able to call upon as we seek God.
James
I have spent a lot of time researching this song and the meaning of Jireh today since I first heard this song on Sunday at my local church. For all of my time of being a Christian and attending church I had never heard the name Jireh for God and even in my research I do not believe it is a name for God without Jehovah being used with it. Without using the name Jehovah with Jireh, Jireh would mean to “see, perceive, or provide” from what my research concluded. Using the name Jehovah with Jireh the correct interpretation would be “The Lord our provider”. If an outsider was to listen to the song, I think it would be entirely possible that they would think we worship a God named Jireh because the few references that are in the song to who we do give our praise and worship to are hidden with background singing, and you really have to be paying attention to catch them.
I really like what Elijah said above
“I think this song is pretty ambiguous and could easily be interpreted biblically or un-biblically. The thing that bothers me about this song is that: while it does get some basic gospel truths across (we are loved, elect, chosen) it does so outside of the context of 1) being rescued from sin (our sin is never mentioned in the song) 2) Salvation bought by the blood of Christ.”
When Abraham used the name Jehovah Jireh, it is in context to the salvation of his son by providing a substitute offering for him. The context of the song can lead a person to believe in a health and wealth gospel where God will provide for all of our wants, instead of a redemptive gospel which is the focus of our faith.
Last thing I would like to address is the sense that we are at the peak of our relationship with God right now. God has promised us a perfect place in harmony with him to live where there is no more corruption from sin, or any of life’s other problems. The song first sentence “I’ll never be more loved than I am right now” can’t be true because God has promised us a better life, and a better relationship with him. There are a few other lines in the song that I think can be used to make this same point.
Vince, I love the work of God you are doing here. I think God has gifted you with good discernment, and I hope you continue with this work of service you are doing for the body of Christ.
Vince Wright
James,
Thank you for your comments!
First, I read what you’re writing about “Jireh”. From a technical standpoint, without the word “Jehovah”, it just reads as an ambiguous “provider”. However, Refrain 1 connects “You”, understood as “Jireh”, with “Jehovah”, “El Shaddai”, and “Jesus”, clearing up any ambiguity on who “Jireh” is.
Second, I agree about the outsider interpretation, which is why I commented on it and rated it a “6”.
Third, not every song is meant to be a sermon about our sin and how God rescues us from it. The Psalms are the same way: some are about God rescuing. Some are just heartfelt praise. Some are laments. Songwriters should also have the liberty to explore a variety of topics without pointers to sin, the cross, and the resurrection of Jesus. it’s perfectly OK to worship God because He is enough! However, I see your point about the context of the name Jehovah Jireh, that Isaac was rescued by way of God providing the sacrifice and its connection to the cross.
Fourth, I tend to lean towards interpreting charitably. If there’s at least a hint or a direction of clarity, then I’ll run with it, even if the placement of clarity isn’t the best (e.g.; Refrain 1 instead of Chorus).
Fifth, I briefly addressed Elijah’s point that “The context of the song can lead a person to believe in a health and wealth gospel where God will provide for all of our wants” in section 1. I didn’t think it was that strong because, in Chorus, they sing “I will be content in every circumstance”, which takes a lot of the wind out of the “prosperity Gospel” sails. But, yes, there’s some potential there for that sort of thinking. So, I took a point away in section 1.
Finally, “I’ll never be more loved than I am right now” doesn’t mean that the nature of our relationship with God is at its peak. Does God love us more when we are in heaven with Him? Does He love us less because we are on earth? Of course not. God’s love for us doesn’t change based on our location (if we can even call eternity with God a “place”). It is an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).
I appreciate your compliments and concerns about the implications of this song.
-Vince Wright
C
Yes!! Jireh is not the name of God, even though this musical piece could very easily be sung to God by His name Jehovah Jireh. The notes are there. Somehow, these groups (always with the same song writer) get a pass. When you break every song down, there’s a theme of self-worth and self-preservation instead of surrender and submission and the idea that your mountain/problem/obstacle WILL be removed. There’s one main character. Just count the number of I/me/my’s to see who that is. I’ll never understand it.
James Brackett
Thanks C I agree with your annalysis of the song. I have also heard this song on the radio countless times over the last 9 months since I wrote my orginal comment, and the part of the official lyrics where they do reference Jesus, or the Father are ommited from the song. My guess is that they did that to shorten the song since it is over 9 minutes long if sang the way they do on the website mentioned above. Without that being in the song the true meaning of who “Jireh” is, is even more ambiguous so the listener doesn’t know who the God is that we truely serve.
Jason
Thanks for all the time spent and everyone’s comments. I too just recently had a conversation about this song. My initial thoughts when I first heard the song was; do these people really know what they are saying about God? It seems that they are throwing out these general ideas, not false statements, without truly understanding why Abraham called the place Jehovah Jireh, the Lord will provide. Like most of the songs these days, the emphasis seems to be more reflecting on me, how God will take care of me. The truth is that God has taking care of us through Christ and the He doesn’t have to do anymore but amazingly, He still does. So what will you do in response to Him is my question?
Elijah
I think this song is pretty ambiguous and could easily be interpreted biblically or un-biblically. The thing that bothers me about this song is that: while it does get some basic gospel truths across (we are loved, elect, chosen) it does so outside of the context of 1) being rescued from sin (our sin is never mentioned in the song) 2) Salvation bought by the blood of Christ. The salvation in this song is ambiguous and in no way directly proclaims the gospel. If sung in a gospel context, that’s fine, but there would be nothing to keep a universalist from singing this song. Because of the strong ambiguity in regards to 1) what God provides (salvation in Christ) and 2) why we need provision, the song fails in its ability to praise God as “Jireh” (provider).
Diana
I enjoy most of Maverick City’s songs/lyrics but I am struggling with this song that was sung live at this year’s Dove Awards. The Bible only refers to Jirah once and it’s actually interpreted “Jehovah Jireh”: “The Lord Will Provide”. I don’t understand why anyone would sing a song stating “Jirah” without “Jehovah” attached to the LORD’s said title. This bothered me so much that I had to research the matter which lead me to this forum.
Vince Wright
Diana,
Thank you for your concerns! I can understand that. In your particular case, and based on Romans 14, I highly recommend that you avoid this song.
-Vince Wright
Amos Jeremiah
Who is this song worshiping? Sounds like its more about celebrating ME/US, than the actual Lord God Almighty. I’ll never be more loved than I am right nowWasn’t holding You upSo there’s nothing I can do to let You downIt doesn’t take a trophy to make You proudI’ll never be more loved than I am right now, oh Right from the start, the lyrics are focused on US, not God. How I feel on the mountaintop? True faith isnt lived on the mountaintop. True faith dwells and grows in the valley. These churches thrive because they sell an artificial mountaintop experiences with feel good, prosperity, bless me preaching by a profiteering, self help guru, who operates under the guise of a Christian church.
If only more Christians would read their entire bibles, these ME-focused churches and songs would not even exist. This is not worshiping the Holy Lord Almighty. This is worshiping the feelings and blessings we get from the one-dimensional, man-pleasing god of Elevation/ HIllsong/Bethel Church’s creation. A god who is there to measure up to OUR hopes and expectations. A god who just wants to please us and spoil us and bless us. A god who is NOT holy, or to be revered and feared. But a god who only wants us happy and blessed.
Vince Wright
Amos,
Thank you for your comment!
Below is an earlier comment by Steve Barhydt on a different post. I’d be curious to see what you think of it.
“For those who complain that Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) is too self centered I offer the following quantitative analysis:
There are 2423 words in the English KJV in Psalm 119…
The most used word is “thy” (referring to God) at 209 occurrences.
The second most used word is “I” at 142 occurrences.
Let’s take this a step further…
Nouns and pronouns for God (Thy, Thine, Thou, Thee, Lord) are used 285 times. (or 11.76% of the total word usage.)
Nouns and pronouns for the Psalmist (I, me, my ,mine, myself) are used 312 times (or 12.88% of the total word usage.)
What does this mean and why is it important?
First, to claim that a song is too self centered and, therefore, should not be sung in church because it has too many personal pronouns (I, me, my) is unsupportable in light of the fact that the Holy Spirit had no issues with inspiring the psalmists to refer to themselves multiple times in their songs.
Second, a lot of Christian music is about the relationship the believer has with the Almighty God (or that the unbeliever could have with Him.) Relationships are NOT one-sided. Songs about relationships are not going to have just one side represented in the lyrics.
As long as what the “I/me” in the song is claiming or proclaiming does not contradict what the Scripture says about “I/me”, the song should be considered Biblical.
Eugene
Hi, new here so this is going to be my first post.
I think the number of times I or You or He is mentioned is not the main point, it all comes down to the framing of the pronouns and what it seems to glorify. A lot of different sources I have seen seem to think this song glorifies or justifies the self more so than God. It makes the self too important for God that he would cross an Ocean (not to say we are not as we all have value as being made in the image of God though!). It also says that there’s nothing we can do to disappoint God. Even if there is a very biblical way to understand it (Such as we have been made enough by Jesus as the comment above), someone not from church could interpret it differently.
Scott
Good analysis, all! I would only add that I disagree with the conclusion of Emmanuel on the second line of the song, “Wasn’t holding You up so there’s nothing I can do to let You down”. One can always objectively choose an interpretation that fits with scriptural teaching, however in bringing subjective judgement to a lyric, one has to consider how the lyric will most likely be perceived.
IN this case, Emmanuel’s analysis chooses to view the line as meaning that we can’t diminish God and his position or authority by our actions. A very scripturaly correct statement! However, in a quick survey of fellow believers in the offices of our church, with folks not familiar with the song, their interpretation (in fact, ten out of ten folks) thought the line was stating that there was nothing I could do to disappoint God. When asked to elaborate further, many interpreted the line to mean that it doesn’t matter WHAT we do, God doesn’t care. He’s fine with whatever our choices may be.
Of course, Paul addressed this with the Romans – “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!” (Romans 6:1-2).
In my ministry experiences, there has always been a branch of Christian practice that leans into abusing the idea of forgiveness or grace. I saw it at Princeton Theological Seminary in many of the students there who lived amazingly licentious lifestyles, lol, but would respond with “Hey, its all forgiven! Don’t sweat it! Drink, do drugs, be sexually promiscuous…God doesn’t really care!”. This is still alive today in the practice of treating Christianity as a buffet – just pick and choose what you want to believe, toss the rest out. Of course, this is not God’s desire and doesn’t match the example Christ has set for us.
This is a growing movement as more and more people “deconstruct” their faith, putting it back together in the way that pleases them and their choices. This line speaks to them, “It doesn’t matter what I do or choose…I’m forgiven, God is not disappointed in me or for me in these choices. Therefore, I can follow my own ideas of faith and obedience, not someone else’s (including scripture).”
So in the context of current Gen Y and Z culture, RATHER than whatever context MCM meant it, I would say its a dangerous and misleading line.
ONE CHANGE would have remedied it, I think – “Wasn’t holding You up so there’s nothing I can do to BRING You down” would better imply the meaning Emmanuel and maybe MCM meant – that our actions will never diminish God and his Authority.
Andy Sherlin
My church sang this song for the first time yesterday. I didn’t feel comfortable singing it. It was reiterating Jireh over and over. To an outsider or a new Christian it would seem to be worshipping a foreign deity. Jesus is the sweetest name and is the name we should uplift in poignant worship.
Micah
I agree with you as well. If I hear my church play it as a worship song it would make me mad. Not every song has to mention Jesus name for me to like it but this one can say Jireh 60 times and it only says Jesus’s name once? Like come on. Agree with you.
Jerry
We occasionally sing a hymn that has a phrase like, “Here I raise my Ebenezer…” Visitors and others probably have no idea what it means. So we explain it. We just take a few seconds before the song and help them know what they are singing. This could be done for the word “Jireh.” It is a teaching moment. In fact, words like sanctification or redemption, etc have to be explained to people who aren’t familiar with them. I wouldn’t think this would have any bearing on whether Jireh should be sung or not.
Jonathan
Thank you so much for your hard work, Vince! All I have to say is that “Jireh” under Maverick City Music is still listed at 5/10 whereas “Jireh” under Elevation Worship was corrected to 8/10. Just thought I would let you know!
Vince Wright
Jonathan,
My pleasure! Thanks for letting me know about the second entry! I corrected it.
-Vince Wright
💚Grace F.💚 (@SoGoRox1)
Heads up: the entry in All Reviews still says 5/10.
Vince Wright
Grace,
Thank you! I corrected it.
-Vince Wright
💚Grace F.💚 (@SoGoRox1)
No problem 🙂 My friend actually noticed it first, but I decided to pass it on 🙂 I really enjoy the approach for your reviews and look forward to joining the conversation very soon.
Charles McFatter
Thank you for your work in researching lyrics of contemporary songs. I’m happy that I found this site. I found it while researching the word “jireh” and Its meaning. What I also found was that the Hebrew word translated as jireh in English is never used in the Bible as a name. When jireh is part of a name it is always used with the name of God, As in “Jehhova-jireh” meaning God provides. When jireh is used alone, jireh is interpreted as to see or to approve, etc.
The Urban dictionary of slang does define Jireh as a name given to or used for a male who has the ability to satisfy women in a sensual sense.
Vince Wright
Charles,
Thank you for this information!
This makes sense as the KJV translates Genesis 22:14 as “And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen”. According to https://www.dictionary.com/browse/provide#:~:text=It%20comes%20from%20the%20Latin,and%20prepare%20supplies%20for%20it, the latin origins of the word “provide” is the word “prōvidēre”, which means “to foresee, look after, provide for”.
As for the Urban dictionary definition, he sure is a provider isn’t he? 😀 However, in this song, the word “You” is also connected to “Jehovah”, “El Shaddai”, and “Jesus”, making this definition harder to defend.
-Vince Wright
Emmanuel
First, i want to commend you for the great work you’re doing. It’s not easy reviewing the lyrics of songs against scripture to ensure that they’re biblically sound. I have some general comments which cuts across your review style before going into specific responses to some of the issues you raised with the lyrics.
First – when reviewing the lyrics line by line, it’ll help if you remind yourself to read and understand the each line within the overall context of the song and the message behind it. Music is a mixture of storytelling and poetry with rhythm. Sometimes you’ll miss the message if you isolate the lyrics but taken within the totality of the song, you’ll realize that it. Most of Mav City’s songs are telling stories so you make a huge mistake reviewing them line by line without juxtaposing it within the overall story.
Second – and this is no fault of yours. Your interpretation of each line is based on your understanding and might not necessarily be what the writer was conveying. Generally, our interpretation are affected by our biases.e.g. your disapproving remark about the word of faith movement shows how it influenced your interpretation of one of the lines. I’ll touch on it later.
To your comments itself. I’ll start with line 2 and 3. I disagree that they contradict each other. I think a case of misinterpretation led you to that conclusion. Remember that the overall theme of the song is a declaration that God is Jireh – the song is declaring who God is. When they said “Wasn’t holding you so there’s nothing I can do to let you down”, my understanding is that they’re saying that there’s nothing they did to make God who He is so there’s nothing they can do to let Him stop being who He is in. This is supported by the overall message of the song. They’re saying God is Jireh – they had no hand in that and can do nothing to change that. There’s no human contribution to the “Godness” of God. Without mentioning specific scripture reference, we can all agree it’s biblical.
Line 4 and 5 – doesn’t take a trophy to make you proud. This simply is referring to the long held biblical standard that it is not works that makes God love us. God’s love for us that led to our salvation is not based on things we achieve. God’s love is unconditional but a pure gift. Ephesians 2:8, John 3:16
Your explanation of verse 2 especially the part that equates “going through a storm but I won’t go down” to the word of faith movement really confuses. This is entirely based on scripture – Mark 4: 38- 40. The disciples were going through a storm and Jesus was asleep. They woke him up and asked if he doesn’t care if they drown. This exactly what the second verse is saying. They never said God won’t allow us to go through storms or troubles. They’re saying God won’t allow us to drown and die in the storm. That’s why line 4 of second verse says “you would cross an ocean so I wouldn’t drown.”
For verse 3, the chorus comes directly after so it’s clear the theme in verse 3 is referring to God as Jireh, which is the message of the entire song. Same thing with “stay by my side when sun goes down.” Sun going down refers to the seasons of life – sunrise for good times, sunsets for tough times. Because God is Jireh and this identity doesn’t change, their prayer is for Jehovah Jireh to stay by their side when the seasons of life change.
“You are enough so i am enough” – Again, your interpretation here shows how you miss the important concept that the lyrics should be analyzed with the overall song and it’s message. I don’t understand how you got the explanation you gave. This line is very self-explanatory. They’re simply drawing their identity from God and not from themselves. There’s no way they mean that they’re putting themselves in God’s place. In fact when you read all the refrain and bridge together, you’ll get the message. In one of the lines they say “when I have you I have everything” and “you are my portion”. It is clear that they’re talking about our identity in God. In God, we’re enough. In God, we’re his handiwork and masterpiece – Eph 2:10. In God, we’re being transformed into the image of his Son and being glorified- Romans 8:29-30. I would have had an issue if the lyrics only said i am enough but once it started with God is enough so we’re enough, it’s very obvious that they’re referring to the fact that our identity grounded in God is enough.
Finally your comments on the outsider perspective misses a key point. There is an audience for every song. Some songs are meant for corporate worship while others are meant for you alone in your room or car to sing to God. Others will work for easter service while others won’t. Same way others will work for evangelizing to believers while others won’t. First, unbelievers will definitely not understand the gospel and gospel music because they’re blinded to the truth- 2Cor 4:3-4. I actually think this song will get a christians and non-christian to ask more about God. Fot me personally, I started reading on the names of God again cos of this song i know someone who didn’t know the meaning of Jireh and so when they saw it in the title, they searched it up. A non-believer on YouTube commented that he looked up the meaning out of curiosity because his friend played the song alot. Moreover the fact that Jesus is mentioned once in a song doesn’t increase or decrease whether it’s biblical or not. The book of Esther and Songs of Solomon don’t mention God but are part of the Bible. Context and message is key. When Esther told Mordecai to pray we all know it’s to God because of context even though she didn’t mention God. Jesus even said it’s everyone who says God God that will make it to heaven.
I will give this osng a solid 10/10 and recommend for corporate worship. Sorry for any typos.
Vince Wright
Emmanuel,
Thank you for your comments and the graciousness that you’ve offered in your critique! It can be difficult to disagree cordially and you’ve demonstrated mastery. I appreciate that you recognize that my work is difficult and commendable. My responses are below.
First, I do my best to review song lyrics the same way that I study Scripture. I attempt to see how each piece fits within the narrative of the overall picture. In the case of the Bible, the overall picture is Jesus. In the case of song lyrics, the overall picture is a single song. I admit that there are occasions where my framework doesn’t fit with each song as some artists choose to use an entire album as their framework. Reviewing a single song within that frame of mind sometimes does a disservice to the artist and their intentions. I don’t think that’s the case here, but it’s an area of improvement for me.
Second, I agree with this sentiment. I’m by no means a perfect person, which is why my reviews exist as living documents. This, in part, is how God has used me to create a community of like-minded individuals who share the same goals as I: Biblical examination of song lyrics.
Regarding Verse 1, lines 2 and 3: My understanding (and I’m aware of Proverbs 3:5 when I say this) of the idiom “let you down” means “to disappoint someone”. I recently looked up the idiom’s meaning and found several definitions! The first one listed is, “To cause or allow someone or something to descend”. If this is the definition you follow in the context of this song, then I agree with your view. I also learned something new today!
Regarding Verse 1, lines 4 and 5: I was going in the direction that, while works don’t save us, that there is a reward for obedience. However, your explanation better fits with the overall theme of Elevation’s song. I did not deduct points for my commentary on these lines.
Regarding Verse 2, lines 1-4: Yes, that happened to the disciples of Jesus in that event. But, that wasn’t the case for Stephen in Acts 7:54-60. Unless, of course, we interpret “I won’t go down” as “we won’t experience eternal separation from God”. It really depends on what is meant by “I won’t go down”.
Regarding Verse 3: I can see now why you said what you said earlier about isolating lines away from the song’s overall theme. I said it was unclear, but that’s not true. I also agree with your correction on “sun goes down”.
Regarding Refrain 1, line 18: As I went through your commentary and examined the lyrics again under the song’s overall theme, it lead me to a different conclusion than I initially wrote. As you stated, it’s about me becoming enough because of who God is. I was mistaken.
Regarding outsider interpretation: This is the hardest section for me to write commentary, in part, because part of my assumptions is that the song is played in isolation of Christian context. Not at church. Not on Christian radio. Not from Christian friends. If an unbeliever heard this song knowing next to nothing about Christianity, how would they interpret it? My conclusion is the same, but I can remove my commentary on errors and increase its score.
Expect to see an update either tomorrow or later this week.
-Vince Wright
Emmanuel
Thanks for the kind words Vince. Being a lawyer, I’m always careful when I’m critiquing someone within the Christian context. There’s the “unnoticeable” attitude of critiquing like how I would do within the legal setting so I was careful not to do that in this case. After I hit send, I thought I was a bit harsh so I’m glad you thought otherwise.
While i have some thoughts to share, i don’t want to belabour the arguments so I’ll only comment on the outsider interpretation piece for this song. This entire album is called Old Church Basement. Therefore, it’s clear that the target audience will be Christians, not unbelievers. So you may want to analyze the song and lyrics within that context.
My parting comments to all of us is two fold and it comes from someone who used to do music reviews and song selection for a worship team. One, always let the lyrics speak for itself within the context of the song, album and sometimes the singer’s previous works. Two, music review is a herculean task that requires a lot of knowledge and bravery. You, my friend, excel at both. Even i sometimes disagree with some analysis, i respect your approach and how serious you take your work. It shows that your comments come from a good heart.
Ps. Listen to the songs “Build Your Church” and “Old Church Basement”. It’s on the same album. Sorry for any typos, I type my thoughts when I’m with my daughter.
Vince Wright
Emmanuel,
I appreciate your comments and advice!
-Vince Wright
Rodney Harris
Greetings, Brothers Emmanuel and Brother Vince.
I rarely comment on videos, blogs, writings or other resources on the Internet…however, this was one of the most fruitful, loving, careful, and considerate exchanges expressing a “different” view while going to great lengths to be respectful of one another’s view (and I believe the other readers as well) and was so edifying. I am practically moved to tears as when reading comments on the Internet, often from Believers, this approach that honors both Christ, the other Brother or Sister, and often the Body as a whole is lacking…yet in this exchange, apart from the assessment of the song, I believe wholeheartedly that the “example of Christ-likeness in heart and intent” is truly another nugget or treasure here, so needed within the Body of Christ and for the world to witness. The humility in which Brother Vince responded, shows his submission to Christ, the Truth (both in person and Word), and how much more important that is than asserting that it’s “his” platform or defending his position “without” hearing another’s points. My heart is warmed as I saw “Christ” in the center and lifted up in a form of worship that had no music or instruments, and art often missed and not appreciated. This both reminded me and challenged me to endeavor to continually walk in the same manner, whether having to give an assessment of someone or ministering or witnessing. I know I don’t know either of you “according to the flesh” that is, however I can’t help but feel “proud of you both” and thankful and glad to have witnessed one more snippet of the beauty of my brethren within the Body of Christ.
This was my first time here, however I look forward to more from you, Brother Vince!
May you both continue to walk in wisdom, understanding and love and grow even more to glory of God the Father. Thank you. “Thank you”.
Vince Wright
Rodney,
I am deeply humbled and touched by your kind words. Thank you so much!
-Vince Wright
Brittany
Hello! I also rarely comment on things like this, but I agree with Rodney’s sentiment. We rarely get to witness any sort of productive interactions in the “comment section” these days. What a refreshing conversation…especially one through text! Thank you Vince and Emmanuel for your thought-provoking analyses. I’ve been thinking a lot about this song, and I’m grateful to have such thorough reviews of the message it brings us. -Brittany
Dan
Thanks for all your well researched analysis,keep up the good work. Kindly expound on the use of Jehovah as a name of God.I have seen other sources declaring that this is not biblical but was coined a few centuries ago.
Wyatt Erickson
What the others have said, you guys rocked this one. This is a remarkable demonstration of humility and grace between both of you. Both were very articulate and courteous, well done. Vince, I would be interested why with your corrected rating of 8/10 why you still indicate you do not recommend using this song in worship service. Just curious. I love the work and really appreciate what you are doing. It is hard for small church worship leaders to get time to dig through songs with the rigor you are using. This is a real challenge given Elevation, Hillsong and Bethel’s tendency toward some weird theology. I am always careful with the words I put into the heart of my congregation. Thanks
Vince Wright
Wyatt Erickson,
Thanks for pointing that out! That was leftover from my previous scoring. I updated it.
-Vince Wright
Glenn
I came across this critique because when I heard, “Wasn’t holding You up
So there’s nothing I can do to let You down”, it made me question whether or not it is was biblical. Can we let God down? I was a little frustrated because it seemed that you saw the phrase “let you down” to mean lowering in position, but then I read the comments and saw that you edited it. Given the context, I can’t imagine that the writers meant anything other than what seems to be your initial thoughts of “to disappoint someone”. The phrase actually appears to be a long time common saying from their pastor, Steven Furtick, who is also one of the song writers. Lysa Turkeurst quotes him saying it in a 2011 blog entry and she definitely took it in the context of disappointing God. The song does, as Emmanuel says, declare that God is Jireh, but the songs overall theme is clearly of God loving us, being our provider, and being more than enough. In that context, it makes perfect sense that they meant that we cannot disappoint God.
I would love to see your original thoughts on the let you down line.
Vince Wright
Glenn,
Interesting! Thanks for sharing! Yes, that was my original thought, that because we cannot disappoint, this meant that we were without sin. Below are my exact words for section 2 in my original review:
“Lines 2 and 3: These two statements contradict one another; the third line is false. While Elevation and Maverick haven’t always lived for God (Genesis 8:21, Job 15:14-16, Psalm 14:2-3, Psalm 51:5, Proverbs 22:15, Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 3:10-18, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12, Romans 6:23, and Ephesians 2:2-3), to say that they cannot let God down is to say that there is no sin within themselves: a lie (1 John 1:8-10).”
-Vince Wright
Richard Martin
Thankyou for taking time to put your point of view, which I appreciate since I was put off recording the song after the initial review from Vince. But the cautions from Vince are nevertheless helpful – to remember that some folk will misunderstand. If songs are art then it is hard for a song to be creative and entirely unambiguous at the same time. Unless it is written by Stuart Townend – like In Christ Alone. I hope this website will help writers do their very best when writing songs whereby listeners will learn their theology correctly.
Micah Scott
Well yeah somewhat I guess. I mean if you don’t call all the songs he has already reviewed and given high scores to. I think this guy is doing the Lord’s work. He is absolutely correct with his views here. Outside Jesus we are not enough and never will be. But I get what their trying to say. But still less about us more about Jesus.
Teri
I love this site and appreciate the consideration given to Emanuel’s response. I’ve stumbled because of pride, so I appreciate the humility exhibited.
A friend and I recently had this very discussion about this song, with me enveloped by this song and feeling it perfect for our worship and her feeling there were too many “I’d” and, “me’s”
Line 1 initially sounds like it’s going to be “other oriented,” or a statement directed at an audience – like a testimonial. Line 2 led me to understand it was prayer that led later to praise, since it was directed to God and stating He wasn’t created by human hands (in addition to Emanuel’s comments).
God’s love for us is stated bountifully in scripture, and proclaiming our identity as chosen as in John 15:16, and 2 Peter 2:9, and others.
As to the friendly ghost idea (at least I think I get the reference) I see i the lyrics clearly referencing Ephesians 3:20 and Philippians 4:19.
I enjoy the song’s structure, as it is singable and worshipful.
Again, thank you for this important work!
Olaniyi Oladeyinbo
Emmanuel you’ve said it all, and I totally agree with you!
Richard
I find the Berean site very helpful – but regarding Jireh I found the Emmanuel comment much more helpful in appreciating the song than the formal review. Glad that the review now references this feedback. That shows integrity.
David C
I really like the work that you do here and my comment is more of a feature request then anything else.
This song is not a worship song in the strictest sense. It’s more of a testimonial song. There is a distinction that is worth noting. Worship is all in the direction God. Who he is. This song is entirely focused on me.
The berean test will not catch the self centered-ness of a song or how it reduces God to a bulldozer parent, but a classification of songs as either worship, testimonial, etc might help show how we have moved a little away from worship and over to our experience of God (testimony).
Overall it would be nice to have a way to filter through all the songs that are In actuality, not about God, but about me.
Barb C
Thank you for your thoughtful comments Emmanuel. They resonate with what I also take from the song. In addition, “from the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same. The name of The Lord will be praised” also a Biblical reference within the context praising God for who He is. I wish critics would interview the authors of songs before publicly picking them apart. The disregard for Matthew 18 is astonishing by folks who tout being Biblical and are being publicly praised by other professing Christ followers. Seems more unbiblical than Christ like. It’s actually disheartening.
Deborah
I totally agree with you🤗
Wendy Morgan-Lampier
Best comment!!! Thank you!!
Nathaniel
I think what you are doing is extremely beneficial. Thank you for all your hard work.
I would also fit in line with the brand of experiential worship. They use the word feeling in such a way that one could possibly think that our faith our our relationship to God has anything to do with our feelings. And its not that feelings have no place, but they should not be a deciding factor in where i stand with God.
Dudebro
Thanks for all your work and effort on this site; I think it contributes a lot to the Body. The most egregious issue you discuss in this song is the artists’ declaring themselves equal with God. I would argue that “you are enough…so I am enough” is a reference to the orthodox doctrine of imputed righteousness, not equality with God.
Micah Scott
Dude you are a boss. I absolutely adore these articles. Thank you! 👍