We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Assemblies

from Shavat by Natalie Kendel

/

about

Based on Isaiah chapter 1, Assemblies deals with the issue of outer religious ritual versus social justice.

God speaks to the nation of Israel, through the prophet Isaiah, stating bluntly He is sick and tired of them mindlessly 'going through the motions': they are not engaging with God or seeking to apply the heart of the law of their everyday lives, but instead believing symbolic acts will save them.
Instead God is calling for a change in how the Israelites treat each other - in particular those marginalised or vulnerable in Jewish society, initiating a timeless theme that will march on through the words of many of the following prophets - justice and mercy are more important to God than sacrifices.

lyrics

“Why are all those sacrifices offered to me?”
asks Adonai
“I’m fed up with your burnt offerings
and the fat of your rams!
I get no pleasure when they die.

“Yes, you come to appear in my presence;
but who asked you to do this thing,
to trample through my courtyards?
Stop bringing worthless offerings!
They are disgusting incense to me!”

Worthless assemblies
worthless assemblies
Your leaders are rebels
and your friends are thieves
I cannot bear your worthless assemblies

Once you were filled with justice
but now you love a bribe
You run after gifts
but give no justice to orphans
You have no ear to the widow's sigh

Worthless assemblies
worthless assemblies
Your leaders are rebels
and your friends are thieves
I cannot bear your worthless assemblies

Rosh-Hodesh and Shabbat
and your calling convocations
How I hate your festivals
they are burden to me

Your worthless assemblies:
when your hands aren't clean
Your leaders are rebels and your friends are thieves
I cannot bear to hear the empty prayers that you speak
Can't you see that love and justice shown to the weak
are true sacrifice
and true worship of me

Let me heal your worthless assemblies
worthless assemblies
Your leaders are rebels
and your friends are thieves
but I am the One who truly heals

credits

from Shavat, released January 10, 2014
Instrumentation/backing: 'The Wedding Song', Angus and Julia Stone. No copyright infringement intended.
Melody and lyrics by Natalie Kendel

license

tags

about

Natalie Kendel England, UK

Theologian, Natalie Kendel, is a singer-songwriter, author, pastor, and theological lecturer.

Using an imaginative, narrative approach, Kendel aims to musically communicate the biblical narrative.

Kendel's music is influenced by folk, orchestral, neo-80s & various genre blends. With unique lyrics and theological depth, her music evokes a rallying listening experience.
... more

contact / help

Contact Natalie Kendel

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Report this track or account

Natalie Kendel recommends:

If you like Natalie Kendel, you may also like: