Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel’: Mendelssohn’s Elijah

The Fellowship  |  February 3, 2017

On this date in 1848, the Protestant composer (of Jewish lineage) Felix Mendelssohn’s oratorio Elijah was given its German-language debut. The powerful piece presents the story of the biblical prophet, as told in the books of 1 and 2 Kings. Above, enjoy the English-language version of Mendelssohn’s aria, “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel,” as sung by Paul Robeson.

Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel,
this day let it be known that Thou art God,
and that I am Thy servant!

Lord God of Abraham!
Oh shew to all this people
that I have done these things according to Thy word.

Oh hear me, Lord, and answer me!
Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel,
Oh hear me and answer me,
and shew this people that Thou art Lord God.
And let their hearts again be turned!