Photo by Jason Leung
When I was growing up, my grandfather, himself a guitarist and lead singer within the family band which will remain unnamed, played this particular tune on several occasions. Though mostly it was to lead worship, I occasionally requested a private audience to his delightful acceptance. This song has a special place in my heart.
Robin Mark’s Days of Elijah is one of his most successful songs ever recorded. Though he has released other successful albums with hits including Revival, All for Jesus, and The Wonder of The Cross, it is this song that he is well known for. ON at least one occasion, he won the GMA’s international award.
Now that I have “grown up” (much to my wife’s belief to the contrary), I never took the time to evaluate my favorite church songs, including this one. This review is for both my benefit and (hopefully) those of you who choose to read it. Enjoy!
Lyrics can be found at https://genius.com/Robin-mark-days-of-elijah-lyrics.
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.
1. What message does the song communicate?
Robin Mark himself gives his own explanation as to the meaning of this song. This makes sense as the flow of thought throughout this song has eschatological thought at the forefront. All the verses attach aspects of Christ’s second coming in a cohesive narrative that paints a picture of preparation. We should spread God’s word. We should help one another live righteously and bring order to the chaos. Mark brings a message of hope in tumultuous times.
I have two major criticism of the message. The first is that such figurative usage of historical events has the tendency of listeners to forget that these are actual, historical events. For example, many preachers talk about the “giants” in our lives in reference to David and Goliath, morphing an event in history into a figurative point not intended from such an event. Both verses in this song are littered with examples of such usage. Still, if we can acknowledge its historicity and understand the point made, this will help aid my concern.
The second criticism is that some of what Mark writes quotes Scripture inaccurately to make use of figurative language. This greatly weakens the integrity of the message. See section 2 for more details.
Score: 6/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
Some of it does; however, I have some major contentions.
[Verse 1]
Lines 1 and 2: The entire account of his life starts at 1 Kings 17 and ending in 2 Kings 2:3–9 when he is taken up in a chariot of fire. The phrase “The word of the Lord came to him” shows up on numerous occasions indicating that Elijah is a Prophet of God. He is the representative of all Old Testament prophets during Christ’s transfiguration in Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, and Luke 9:28–36. This line is appropriate given his actions.
Lines 3 and 4: His account starts at birth in Exodus 2 and ends with his death at the end of Deuteronomy. Exodus 1 gives us some background as to what transpired since the events at the end of Genesis. Moses is given what is now known as the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and thereafter, the rest of the 613 laws encompassed throughout the Mosaic Covenant. For the sake of brevity, I will not list all the references. For those who are a glutton for punishment, you may examine all 613 Laws for yourself.
The biggest issue with this line is that Moses did not accomplish that which Mark refers. The Israelite people that he lead were constantly complaining, about food (Exodus 16:1-3), water (Exodus 17:1-3), and Moses’ leadership (Numbers 12:1-12), among other things. An entire rebellious generation had to die out, wandering in the desert for 40 years before the next generation could even attempt to receive the promised land. I see nowhere in Moses’ account that would support this line. Also, see Deuteronomy 9:7 for a single verse summary.
Lines 5 and 6: Since we are within an eschatological context, this section closely resembles the second seal: war (Revelation 6:3-4) and the third seal: scarcity (Revelation 6:5-6). The exact timetable is debatable: has this been fulfilled? Will it take place during the tribulation? Will it occur between now and the tribulation? Regardless, war, poverty, and gloom are events that have transpired, exist now, and will most likely develop in the future. We should be vigilant and prepare ourselves should these occur during the tribulation period and pre-trib rapture happens to be incorrect.
Lines 7 and 8: A direct reference to John the Baptist in Matthew 3:1-3 and Mark 1:1-3, quoting from Isaiah 40:3. Just like John, we too should point others to Christ through our example.
[Chorus]
Lines 1 and 2: as referenced in Acts 1:9-11 and prophecied in Revelation 1:7 and Revelation 14:14, Jesus will come back the same way that He left. However, the second line is nowhere in the context of these passages. Perhaps it fits more with lines 3 and 4.
Line 3: A specific event that occurs once every 49 or 50 years, depending on how one interprets the sabbath of sabbaths in Leviticus 25:8-24. Although I understand where Mark is going with this, that there will be rejoicing, salvation, and instruments sounding when Christ returns, there is a specific set of rules in place that are not applicable: rules around property redemption, debt cancellation, and sowing/reaping crops. The context of the passage does not fit within this line.
Line 4: Meaning “fortification”, this specific mountainous area is first mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:7 and has over 150 references in the Bible. Though it has multiple meaning depending on context, for the purposes of this review, we will utilize the end times context, which is God’s Heavenly Kingdom referenced in Hebrews 12:22. More information on this topic can be found at https://www.gotquestions.org/Zion.html.
[Verse 2]
Lines 1 and 2: Many people do not know that this is a vision given to this particular prophet in Ezekiel 37:1-14 and not a historical event. This passage has salvific undertone written all over it, a point Mark intended to make. Given that us gentiles are grafted in as part of Israel (Romans 11:17), we could apply this concept to Christians.
Lines 3 and 4: Although David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22). It was Solomon who built the physical temple (1 Kings 6:1, 1 Chronicles 22:7, and 2 Chronicles 2:1). Therefore, this line is of figurative usage that has no basis in Scripture.
Lines 5-8: Referenced in Matthew 9:35-38 and Luke 10:1-2, though there are plenty of unbelievers, yet few who do the active work of evangelism. We are to pray for those who are not Christ followers and be an example to them, telling them about Jesus and showing Him through good works.
[Bridge]
A declarative as expressed in Exodus 8:10, Exodus 9:14, Deuteronomy 3:24, Deuteronomy 33:26, Jeremiah 10:6, 1 Samuel 2:2, 2 Samuel 7:22, 1 Kings 8:23, 1 Chronicles 17:20, Psalm 86:8, Psalm 89:6, Psalm 113:5-6, Jeremiah 10:7, Isaiah 40:18, and Isaiah 46:9. However, the repetition can become dull, especially since it occurs 15 times!
Score: 6/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
Aside from the Chorus, unless an outsider is familiar with the plethora of characters within these lyrics, they will be completely lost in terms of its symbols.
Score: 2/10
4. What does this song glorify?
Given the wealth of biblical verbiage, not unlike the listing found in Hebrews 11 in regard to faith, it glorifies the eventual return of Christ, the same way that He left at the end of most Gospels and beginning of Acts, calling us to be vigilant, always prepared for our reunion with Him. However, taking Bible verses out of context is not good stewardship of the Scripture and is contrary to 2 Timothy 2:15. God is not glorified in error.
Score: 4/10
Closing Comments
Days of Elijah leaves much to be desired. Though it has a great overall message and has some accurate basis in Scripture, it also takes other Bible verses out of context, makes figurative usage out of events that did not exist, and leaves unbelievers bewildered and confused. It is a tough sell to think that God is glorified through that.
I really enjoyed this song growing up; however, given what I know now, it is more difficult to justify my continued enjoyment of it. Perhaps I could eat the meat and throw away the bones. Or, better yet, I could look elsewhere.
Final Score: 5/10
Artist Info
Track: Days of Elijah (listen to the song)
Artist: Robin Mark
Album: Days of Elijah
Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)
Release Year: 1996
Duration: 6:30
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
Update:
11/12/2019 – As part of the post-review announcement, I updated this review to align with my changed mind on figurative usage of historical events. Thanks to commenter Kevin for finding a straggler! Having said that, my commentary remains largely unchanged given that I direct my criticism towards the inaccurate Scriptural usage rather than using historical events figuratively, except Verse 2, lines 1 and 2. I changed my commentary on that section, slightly bumping up my score from 4.5/10 to 5/10.
Comments
David
Solomon built the physical temple. David established a place of worship by bringing back the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and setting it up in a tent, known as the tabernacle of David. But given our understanding of the NT today, our bodies are a TEMPLE of the Holy Spirit. It is unfortunate that the deeper meaning gets overlooked in this review. Lines 3 and 4 of verse 2 literally points to the essence of worship – where it’s not about a structure like the one Solomon built, but about our own lives as vessels of praise and devotion to God. You say there is no basis in scripture, but in fact there is: 1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 12:1.
I always come to this website for insight on biblical inspiration behind songs, it has blessed me so many times! It’s unfortunate that the one review I leave here is a negative one, but that’s usually how things goes! I hope you know how many people appreciate all that you do regardless of the ratio of positive/negative reviews.
Vince Wright
David,
Thank you for your feedback!
-Vince Wright
Jamie Power
Every Irish person reading this: “Hold me back!”
Full appreciation requires review as a poetic song in the context of hope in Christ transcending outlook from outlook from enduring a holy war.
RMB
Thank you for your evaluation of the song, “Days of Elijah.”
J
I think the Temple of Praise might reference Psalm 22:3 KJV
Note that David wrote many of the Palms, including this one (Psalm 22:title)
Colleen
So upon listening to this song…here’s my thoughts: phrases like, “And though these are days of great trial –
of famine and darkness and sword” or, “Rebuilding a temple of praise” – MIGHT that be taken as reference to the 7 yrs of Tribulation that will occur on the earth – as there will indeed be great trial, famine, darkness, sword. With respect to rebuilding the temple…the Antichrist is to do that…with many of earth’s remaining inhabitants believing him to be Messiah and bowing in adoration and worship to him, giving him praise…. this would all point to the chorus – “Behold He comes, riding on the clouds, shining like the sun at the trumpet call; Lift your voice, it’s the year of jubilee, And out of Zion’s hill salvation comes…which is the 2nd coming of Christ that will follow the end of the 7 year Tribulation? Is that plausible? The only problem with that: if the rapture takes place BEFORE the Tribulation (as I believe the bible points to), then all the saved of God would be gone from the earth, the Holy Spirit would be taken OUT of the earth, making it next to impossible for the remaining people on earth to come to a saving knowledge of the Lord….to me…that’s why the song wouldn’t be biblically sound…This is not meant to be some exposition of this song, farbeit from me…I’m no bible scholar…The present world we live (in 2022), has the puzzle pieces falling quickly in to place with the next “event” on the “Lord’s calendar” being the rapture. Perhaps the faithful 144,000 the bible speaks of, would need the encouragement through this time, therefore it would be appropriate for THEM to sing the chorus “Behold He comes riding on the clouds,shining like the sun at the trumpet call; Lift your voice, it’s the year of jubilee, And out of Zion’s hill salvation comes….” Anyways, just my thoughts…would appreciate HELPFUL insights/Godly suggestions on interpretation…
John Derrington
I believe in 2 Thessalonians 2 “when the restrainer is removed the lawless one Will be revealed “. Speaks of the church being removed, raptured.” The dead in Christ will rise and meet the Lord in the air and those that are still alive will be caught up together with the dead in Christ to meet him in the clouds ( some say that cloud could be heavenly host of witnesses).” In a twinkling of an eye you will change from the corruptable to the incorruptible “. God’s people ,his own (he will only come for that which is his. All the church is not the bride of Christ. He said to the false church. ” depart from me I never KNEW you.”). The true church is ” Not appointed to wrath”. Meaning not going through the great tribulation or if you like “the day of Jacob’s Trouble”. This rapture is the next prophecy to take place. Know one knows when but the disciples were in expectation of it, we must also be, especially the time in which we live and the prophecy of Israel having their land given back to them (in part) in 1948.
Luke 21:36 speaks of discerning the times and “pray that you may be accounted worthy to stand before the Son of man .” Mathew 16: 28 speaks of “not tasting death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom”.
The next prophesy to take place is the rapture.
The Holy Spirit will stay on earth because he is ” the promised comforter that will lead you into all truth”. He is the Power of God on earth. Gen. 1: 1 and 2. Jesus is seated now at the righthand of The Father making intercession for us. The Holy Spirit will be on earth to help people choose from the mark of the beast or Christ. If they choose Christ they will most probably be martyred ( or die of starvation). Rev. 7 talks of ” the great multitude that no one could count”. These are the martyred in Christ and calling for their revenge. But that will only happen when their number come in. Then they will be resurrected. The Holy Spirit will also be with the 144000 (Jews) and the two wittnesses. No one can come to the Father unless called. The Holy Spirit will call in the last days and the tribulation.
The rest of what you say I agree with whole heartedly.
Cyril
https://robinmark.com/the-story-behind-days-of-elijah/
Have you read this Vince?
Vince Wright
Cyril,
Great question! Yes, I had read that before writing this review. I didn’t come to the same conclusion but appreciated Robin Mark’s intent behind his song.
-Vince Wright
John Derrington
Your whole argument is based on what you consider scriptural or not. This in turn gives rise to what you believe to be scriptural, hence you make the statement that the pre- tribulation rapture is incorrect.
That is the whole basis to your argument or critique of this song. Focusing on that statement that the pre – trib. rapture is in correct, I can only conclude you either believe in post- trib. rapture or most probably an a-millennialist. I suspect you also hold to the teachings of replacement theology which totally denies the existence of Israel as a separate flock and joint heir to the throne. We are grafted into the Jews as Paul says emphatically. If you hold that view you miss the whole point of the song. It is a pre-tribulation song which is scriptural in my humble view and many Christians have that view.
The rapture and the millennial reign of Jesus Christ as King and David at his right hand governing Israel is scriptural and biblically correct and no amount of denying the word of God can change that. Revelation chapter 1,2 and 3 refer to the church and then in chapter 4 it says” and after these things ” and now we go into the tribulation period (how long that takes scripture doesn’t say). We just have a look at what is happening around us now and compare now to when the song was actually written. The speed of Satin in your face with no restraint is astonishing.
Mathew 24 and 25 has Jesus telling us what will happen in the end times. Chapter 25 talks about those that mistreat and deny ISREAL.(although this can also refer to everyone also – love thy neighbor as thy self. The law of double meaning is all through the Bible – natural, old testament / spiritual, new testament).
I believe this song captures this truth beautifully and I myself will “Lift up my head because your redemption draws near”. Luke 21 and more specifically verse 25 to 36. He will be riding on a cloud and will come to get us. Scripture also tells us that the true church is not appointed to wrath. We have suffered enough through the ages. Just have a look at the persecution now and to come shortly. Come Lord Jesus come!! God Bless.
Vince Wright
John Derrington,
Thank you for your comments!
In my entire review, I only mentioned pre-trib rapture once. For the sake of convenience, I’ll copy exactly what I’ve written (with emphasis) and comment on that.
“Lines 5 and 6: Since we are within an eschatological context, this section closely resembles the second seal: war (Revelation 6:3-4) and the third seal: scarcity (Revelation 6:5-6). The exact timetable is debatable: has this been fulfilled? Will it take place during the tribulation? Will it occur between now and the tribulation? Regardless, war, poverty, and gloom are events that have transpired, exist now, and will most likely develop in the future. We should be vigilant and prepare ourselves should these occur during the tribulation period and pre-trib rapture happens to be incorrect.”
In my commentary, I never said that pre-trib was biblical or unbiblical. My words support a view that is often not cited in arguments (I mean, discussions) about eschatology. My current position is pan-trib. What is “pan-trib”? It is the belief that everything will “pan” out at the end. I believe that we should pray for pre-trib, but prepare for post-trib, which means we’ll be prepared for mid-trib also.
I don’t know if you’ve read the rest of my review, but I had issues with other lines that have nothing to do with pre-trib. Please re-read my commentary and let me know if I erred.
-Vince Wright
racefangurl
I know there’s a pre-wrath view. I don’t know a-millennialist as well as pre-trib, mid-trib, pre-wrath (almost like mid-trib, but not quite) and post-trib. I list pre-trib, due to what I’ve read and heard, Left Behind and what pastors have said. Most recently, my church’s pastor as I type this said how people in the Old Testament were taken out before the bad came. Like Enoch taken to heaven and Noah in the ark, which means they weren’t protected in the midst of the judgment, but removed. Like Noah was in the ark while the world outside was flooded, not floating in the flood or on high ground with the flood around. However, I know what mid-trib’s based on since I asked him how to handle mid-tribbers and believe pre-wrath might have similar basis. However, I don’t know the basis of post-trib and a-millennialism. Regarding this song, I never thought of how it fit with any particular camp of trib views.
Roy
Hi Vince,
Pre trib, mid trip, post trib…. I did chuckle at Pan trib ; ) The scripture tells us to “BE READY”, that’s the call to the believer. If that’s PAN TRIB I am with you all the way brother.
Vince Wright
Roy,
This is true of any eschatological position: we must be like the five virgins who were prepared for the bridegroom.
-Vince Wright
Kevin
Dear Author,
Very in-depth analysis. Even though I feel some of it mildly excessive, I applaud your attention to detail and context, and I do agree with most of your reviews that I’ve read to date.
Question: I noticed this around line 3 of the chorus, and wonder your views on Christ as fulfillment of the law, and His relation to the OT symbols, shadows, and types.
-As a believer in Christ, I am living in the eternal year of jubilee brought about by the lamb of God, because I don’t have to pay for my sin debt.
-Jesus death in circa.30 A.D. Jerusalem paid for my sins when I asked him into my heart in Toronto in 1985.
-My body is the temple of the holy Spirit, meant for praising, worshiping, & glorifying Him, and Jesus doesn’t live in a temple anymore.
-I go shopping and sometimes do work on Sunday because I am resting from my self-works and am relying on Christ’s righteousness in His eternal Sabbath rest.
Yes, the year of jubilee and Zion and the temple and the Sabbath are/were physical things, but to me as a believer they point to Christ who claimed that He was the fulfillment of all things. I feel that the metaphor and symbolism in this song is rich, just as the Bible itself is rich in symbolism.
Yes, the stories in the OT are factual historical events, and sometimes only that. But if Jesus, Paul, and the author of Hebrews used it primarily to point to Christ as the focal point and fulfillment of all, then why shouldn’t we do the same?
Why should I bother reading all the boring dimensions and mind-numbing details about the tabernacle or the temple? Why is that even in the Bible? So I can build an accurate display model for my church bazaar? I’m convinced that it is to show picture after picture of Who Jesus is and what He does and how He does it.
I have always understood from this song that the Elijah, Moses, Ezekiel, and David that Marks speaks of are not the actual historical figures, but the aspects of the promised Messiah that each one of them symbolizes.
Do you reject the idea of symbolism itself, or is it that you just feel that Marks took the symbols for something that they didn’t mean? Because it appeared to me that you meant to imply the former.
Vince Wright
Kevin,
Thank you for your thoughts! I thought that I updated all the songs that I previously criticized for figurative usage of historical events, as discussed in my post-review announcement. I missed this one! I’ll update this song as soon as I get an opportunity.
EDIT: Upon closer examination, the majority of my criticism is not directed towards Mark’s figurative usage of historical events. I gave a warning in section 1 about it, but it didn’t affect my score. It is the historical inaccuracies that significantly lowered his score on this song.
-Vince Wright
Melanie
Unbelievers don’t understand most worship music untill the Spirit moves them (probably goes for some believers too) When I was first born again I didn’t even realise that I was singing scripture! That changed as I grew up in the faith. I still love to find bible references to what I’m singing to the Lord, I don’t want to take it for granted.
I didn’t have a problem with this song and still don’t, because when I sing it, I’m worshipping my God for all He has, is and will do.
However, whilst I’m all for testing things with wisdom, I find this nit-picking, not everyone gets everything right all of the time. Let us enjoy the music, the Spirit will move on us and our own church groups will teach us. We don’t won’t to be open to that nasty spirit of criticism.
Ask yourself this, does this article encourage, edify and
Build up?
tastywallet
Melanie,
Thanks for your thoughts! While I am all for edification and focusing on good things (Philippians 4:8), sometimes admonishment is required. Yes, Scripture is profitable for teaching and for training in righteousness for completing and equipping man for good word, according to 2 Timothy 3:16-17. However, so is reproof and correction. Both require admonishment.
You see my article as the “nasty spirit of criticism”. You have that right. I see it as holding artists accountable for their work. I expect others to hold me accountable for the articles I write.
-TastyWallet
Susan
agreed. correction is needed. this is not nit-picking or done in a critical spirit.We need to speak the truth, believe the truth and sing the truth!
tastywallet
Susan,
Thanks, much appreciated!
-TastyWallet
Roy
Not sure people are understanding exactly what you are saying or doing. Many comments refer to the emotional feeling of the song.
I see this with songs that should most certainly not be sung in churches yet because they are a good rip roaring feel good factor song, that’s what wins out in the end.
Wasn’t it Tozer who said “Christians don’t tell lies they just sing them”.
Keep up the work on this website.
Vince Wright
Roy,
Thank you for taking time out of your day to compliment my work! I appreciate that.
-Vince Wright
Sandy
I agree, Melanie. I’ve been a believer for many years (almost 50), and I love this song because when I hear it or sing it, I am immediately reminded that “there’s no God like Jehovah,” and I love the figurative expressions of his majesty and power in the verses. I need to be reminded that in this crazy world, I may have troubles, but my God has overcome the world.
bill1942
It’s a song – not intended to be a sermon. The children of God understand what is being sung. Those don’t know him are prompted to ask and to learn. Don’t throw stones.
tastywallet
bill1942,
Thank you for your comment! While I do not expect songs to be sermonettes, that does not absolve my criticism regarding bible inaccuracies.
-TastyWallet
Daniel
Hi bill1942,
Songs are indeed sermons as they fulfill a similar function. In addition to offering praise, they edify the body and proclain the Gospel. At least they are suppsed to. Througout much of church history, music was written so that it could easily be memorized and thus teach theology to an illiterate people. (See St. Ambrose) When the music of the church begins to drift, it leads to theological error and sometimes heresy.
Kimberly Mcmorris
I agree with you Bill1942. I will be ministering this song in two days and I don’t feel condemnation. God is good🙏🏾
Mesha
Thank you for this comment… You expressed exactly what I was feeling…. The song glorifies God because it is speaking about our Savior, and preparing for Avis return…. To be honest MOST people in the church are not so astute that they understand the historical elements listed in the verses, and if they are a tad off regarding the Bible…. And let’s be honest, since we are going word for word, precept upon precept, the Bible has been said to have some errors itself…. Translation from Greek and Latin to English and every other language, have left some “not so accurate” accounts, as well…. So I think it is fair to say that, in order to judge a songs ability to glorify God, first you have to know the heart of the writer… Then, does the overall compilation focus on The Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit… If the words are not just blatantly out of order regarding the word, then the song is justified…. “THERE US NO GOD LIKE JEHOVAH!!!” How does that NOT bring glory to the Father? Or leave any doubt in regards to what the intent of the song is?
Lastly, every song has a different intent in mind… Some songs are for “the world” to be drawn in to recognize who Jesus is and to get their lives right and repent. Then there are songs for THE BODY OF CHRIST… So, appealing to the general population is almost impossible in every work of art that is created…. I also, am a minister of music with almost 20 years of experience in the field…
Kris
It was asked how does “there’s no God like Jehovah” not bring glory too God.
I will answer that. “There’s no God like Jehovah” is blasphemous. It isn’t bringing glory to God because by singing that you are monotheistic.
There is no God but Jehovah. There is one God.
Why are you comparing the one and only God to anything?
tempo acco
Kris, I searched up the meaning of monotheistic and it says this:
“Monotheism is the belief that there is only one deity, an all-supreme being that is universally referred to as God.” It is the opposite of what you described as “monotheistic”. Please look for another word to describe what you are talking about.
kilmartinblog
It is important to remember the power of songs in terms of reinforcing concepts. I believe that is a large part of the reason the author even created this blog. A pastor can teach a Biblical concept for years,but if a catchy Christian song comes along that is opposite to that teaching, the teaching is subconsiously undone, and half the congregation won’t even notice the contradication.
(This is similar to my objection to Christians listening uncritically to secular music)
And honestly, musically Days of Elijah is a bang-on winner, that is SOmuch fun to sing, but I have to agree with the author’s critique of its content. I personally never selected it as a song leader because I was never really sure what it was trying to say or if I agreed with it.
Mel
As far as being understood by outsiders, how about a room full of battle hardened Marines, they get the intent of the song. We’re in bad times and that’s what the song speaks to and in the end the only way out is Christ’s return. Perhaps Mark would been better to use These Are The Days of Noah as a reference. Anyway check this link: https://youtu.be/0MtdyRDy4fU
tastywallet
Mel,
Thank you for your comment! While a marching band of soldiers might connect with it, my task is to think about the general public as a whole, the average person rather than the average marine. Still, Mark has a communication problem, regardless of intent.
-TastyWallet
Tim
I am very sorry for you and what you have chosen to do on this site and the potential consequences. May the Lord forgive you for many of your opinions as expressed in this article.
It is possible that you should consider the Spiritual source of this song rather than the obvious human source. Are you critiquing a man of flesh or the heart and will of God?? What was the source of this song’s inspiration?
Simply put, we all need to carefully consider that which comes into our minds; that which we meditate on and allow to flow out from our hearts to influence others.
The thoughts we entertain, at their root source, will be taken before the Eternal Judge, who will evaluate all of our lives and every idle word. Are they influenced by the Holy Spirit or by the world and Satan?
We need to very soberly evaluate the fruit of our individual vines or trees; for as we evaluate, so will we be evaluated!
It is the Holy Spirit that will guide us into all truth. We all will answer for our obedience or disobedience to the Holy Spirit.
Personally I would have deleted this post, several times, and moved on, but I could not. There is warning that needs to be done, but every branch does not need a human critiquing it. I believe that God is the gardener. He does use people, as well as His Word, to warn, but not to criticize.
Are you conformed to this world’s way in your efforts here, or are you being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ, knowing and obeying the perfect will of the Father in all that you write?
My spirit took what you said regarding the Marines singing “The Days of Elijah” as a ‘disrespectful’ comment toward a group of believers that are willing to lay their lives on the line to hopefully maintain ‘your’ freedom. To most of these men, it appears that the song is a song of Hope and Trust in an Almighty God. “There is no God like Jehovah!” The things of the Spirit are not for the general public. Spiritual things are for those who worship God in Spirit and in Truth, not in the flesh.
I do not know for certain, but you of your own comments infer that you have changed from what you used to be. Your comment, “Or, better yet, I could look elsewhere.” is probably correct, until you have a change of heart regarding the fleshly or worldly and the working of the Holy Spirit.
Most people in churches today, who consider themselves as being Christian, appear to put more trust in the financial and medical establishments of this world than hope and trust in Jehovah-jireh.
For my understanding, the power that I run to, depend on, when in need, for help and to meet my needs are my gods or God.
Don H
Tim, first you need to read the criteria for Vince’s reviews: https://www.thebereantest.com/criteria-for-evaluating-christian-music. Also, asking God to forgive Vince for his opinions is insincere at best. Should I or others that agree with most or all of what Vince has written above ask God to forgive you if we don’t agree with you and your criticisms? You comment that Vince should consider the “Spiritual source of this song”, and that is what he did. He compared it with Biblical truth (Spiritual source?) and found it lacking in several areas. If you provide specifics where you believe Vince erred, you need to point them out and give him a chance to respond (and once in a while Vince even changes his review if someone makes a good point). Please be specific; rambling on with a long criticism is not very helpful…
lilylswong
Well said! This review/article by Vince Wright for Robin Mark’s song is uncalled for and I agree that this article with its “scores” of xx/10 is grossly unjustified. When I was reading this article, I became confused and in disbelief that Vince should have such negative attributes towards this wonderful song! As a worship leader, this would be my 3rd time singing this song in my church (St Andrews Presbyterian Church in Ipoh, Perak). This song, in my opinion, glorifies God and brings light to His Amazing Grace. His Grace is Sufficient for us! Hallelujah to Jesus! Amen. Mrs Lily LS Wong, sis-in-Christ.
Lee Lacey
When you say “you should consider the Spiritual source of this song”, whether you realize it or not you are posing the possibility that a recent song is equivalent to the inspired word of God, which is very problematic!
I’m new to this site (literally 30 minutes in) and have found a different song review that I think despite some valid points was unjustly interpreted/critiqued, but I took it entirely as one man’s opinion. As Martin Luther said, “Let him who wishes to hear God speak read the Holy Scriptures.”
Justin
Nah, this site is awesome.
It’s thought provoking!
Being challenged in our thinking is such an important part of life
Pete
Hello. Having watched the marines sing to this song I was very pleased to see them rejoice in GOD. What I was shocked with is the hand symbology which is performed at the end of the chorus. Once again the all seeing eye pyramid is glorified. Shocking. Those who have EAR and also SEE. People need to be more mindful of what they are actually looking at. Trust no man. Trust no plan. Trust in GOD and what is written. Get close to Jesus and you will be blessed by GOD. WISDOM. Now she is my friend and I am hers.
Vince Wright
Pete,
Thank you for your comment!
I’m happy to hear that there was much rejoicing with the use of this song, and I don’t doubt that God is glorified through it; However, use and intent are not the same as inherent communication of lyrics. I agree that we shouldn’t simply trust people, and that even The Berean Test should be tested against Scripture; However, these comments are general statements that don’t address the specific content of this review.
-Vince Wright
Karen fivcoat
These are the DAYS OF JESUS CHRIST NOt the days of Elisha, Moses, David, or Ezekiel
Anne Beams
I just want to add that I agree, these are the days of the ecclesia, the body of Christ, the church, and we are anticipating the Second and LAST coming of Jesus the Messiah to claim His own.
joshua cottrell
Wow! I am in the worship team in our church and while this song is a favorite for the congregation, I have always had a feeling that this song was off in its intention to glorify God. Thanks for your article.
tastywallet
Sure thing!