Contents
The Meaning Behind The Song: Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) by Chris Tomlin
The song “Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)” was written by Christian singer-songwriter Chris Tomlin together with Ed Cash and Scott Cash. It was released in 2012 as part of Tomlin’s album “Burning Lights” and has since become one of his most popular songs, reaching No. 3 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart.
The song draws its inspiration from a Bible passage found in the book of Psalms. In Psalm 27:1, King David proclaims, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
Tomlin read this passage one morning and was struck by its powerful message. He was inspired to write a song that would declare the greatness and power of God, even in the midst of life’s challenges and struggles.
Lyrics and Meaning
The lyrics of “Whom Shall I Fear” are a declaration of faith in God’s power and protection. The song starts with the lines “You hear me when I call / You are my morning song / Though darkness fills the night / It cannot hide the light.”
These lines convey the idea that God is always present and attentive to our prayers and needs, even when we are going through difficult times. The darkness that surrounds us cannot overpower the light of God’s love and grace.
The chorus of the song further emphasizes the theme of God’s power and protection: “Whom shall I fear? / You are the God of angel armies / You are the God who fights for me / Whom shall I fear?”
This chorus is a powerful declaration of faith in God’s protection, proclaiming that He is the ultimate Protector who fights our battles for us. The bridge of the song declares, “The one who reigns forever / He is a friend of mine.” This line reinforces the idea that God is not just distant and all-powerful, but also close and personal.
Theological Meaning
The song “Whom Shall I Fear” is rooted in a deep theological understanding of God’s character and nature. It emphasizes God’s power, authority, and protection, while also acknowledging His personal and loving relationship with us.
The lyrics of the song remind us that we can have confidence in God’s power and protection, even when we face the challenges of life. We do not need to fear because we know that God is always with us, fighting our battles for us.
FAQs
1. What inspired Chris Tomlin to write “Whom Shall I Fear”?
Chris Tomlin was inspired to write “Whom Shall I Fear” after reading the Bible passage found in Psalm 27:1. He was struck by the idea that even in the midst of life’s challenges and struggles, we can have faith in God’s power and protection.
2. What does the Bible say about fearing God?
The Bible tells us that fearing God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and that it is a sign of reverence and respect for God’s power and authority. However, it also tells us that we should not be afraid of God because He is loving and merciful (1 John 4:18).
3. What is the meaning behind the phrase “God of Angel Armies”?
The phrase “God of Angel Armies” emphasizes the idea that God has a powerful army of angels ready to fight our battles for us. It reminds us that God’s power and protection extend beyond the earthly realm.
4. What is the significance of the line “You are the God who fights for me”?
This line is significant because it emphasizes the idea that God is not just distant and all-powerful, but also actively involved in our lives. It reminds us that we do not have to fight our battles alone, but that God is fighting for us.
5. What is the bridge of the song all about?
The bridge of the song declares that the one who reigns forever is a friend of ours. This line emphasizes the idea that even though God is powerful and all-knowing, He is also personal and loving towards us.
6. Is the song only relevant for Christians?
While the song was written from a Christian perspective, its message of faith in God’s power and protection can resonate with people of different beliefs. The song’s universal themes of hope and courage in the face of life’s challenges can speak to anyone.
7. Why has “Whom Shall I Fear” become such a popular song?
“Whom Shall I Fear” has become such a popular song because of its powerful message and catchy tune. The song’s lyrics of faith and hope in the midst of life’s challenges have resonated with many listeners and have made it a favorite in Christian circles.
8. What other songs has Chris Tomlin written?
Chris Tomlin is a prolific songwriter who has written many popular Christian songs, including “How Great is Our God,” “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone),” and “Our God.”
9. What impact has “Whom Shall I Fear” had on the Christian music industry?
“Whom Shall I Fear” has had a significant impact on the Christian music industry, inspiring many other Christian artists to write songs with similar themes of faith and hope in God’s power and protection.
10. Why is it important for Christians to have songs like “Whom Shall I Fear”?
Songs like “Whom Shall I Fear” are important for Christians because they provide a powerful reminder of God’s love and grace in the midst of life’s challenges. They encourage us to have faith in God’s power and protection, and to turn to Him in times of trouble.
