Ragamuffin Ramblings

To continue with this month's theme of love, I chose Andrew Peterson's song Canaan Bound, as it weaves a tale of twofold love; one is earthly, the other divine. On the surface, this song chronicles the lives of Abraham and Sarah as they journey to Canaan, the promised land.

"Sarah, take me by my arm. Tomorrow we are Canaan bound, where westward sails the golden sun, and Hebron's hills are amber crowned."

Beautiful images of star crossed lovers permeate the lyrics, delving into the depths of devotion. But this song is not merely a song of mortal love. A second glance reveals a much deeper message.

"I trembled at the voice of God; a voice of love and thunder deep. With love he means to save us all, and love has chosen you and me. Long after we are dead and gone, for a thousand years, our tale be sung how faith compelled and bore us on... how barren Sarah bore a son. So come to Canaan, come."

In this promised land, promises are kept and miracles come true. Ultimately, Canaan symbolizes the promise of hope and renewal at the hands of an almighty God. This is divine love--love that triumphs over all others and stirs up a faith that drives us forward into the unknown.

Canaan Bound by Andrew Peterson
Sarah, take me by my arm
Tomorrow we are Canaan bound
Where westward sails the golden sun
And Hebron's hills are amber crowned

So bid your troubled heart be still
The grass, they say, is soft and green
The trees are tall and honey-filled
So, Sarah, come and walk with me

Like the stars across the heavens flung
Like water in the desert sprung
Like the grains of sand, our many sons
Oh, Sarah, fair and barren one
Come to Canaan, come

I trembled at the voice of God
A voice of love and thunder deep
With love He means to save us all
And Love has chosen you and me

Long after we are dead and gone
For a thousand years our tale be sung
How faith compelled and bore us on
How barren Sarah bore a son
So come to Canaan, come

Where westward sails the golden sun
And Hebron's hills are amber crowned
Oh, Sarah, take me by my arm
Tomorrow we are Canaan bound