In Hebrew, Adonai means “Lords” (plural formal as a symbol of respect), and it is one of the names for God, so that today’s antiphon hearkens to the might and wisdom of the Lord God of Israel
- O Adonai et Dux domus Israel,
- qui Moysi in igne flammae rubi apparuisti,
- et ei in Sina legem dedisti:
- veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento.
English:
- O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel,
- who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush
- and gave him the law on Sinai:
- Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.
“For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our ruler, the Lord is our king; he will save us.” Isaiah 33:22
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” verse:
O come, O come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Chorus: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmauel shall come to you
