Darrell Winn singing There Is a Balm in Gilead at Family Worship Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Reverend Jimmy Swaggart arranged this beautiful rendition.
The balm in Gilead is a reference from the Old Testament, but the lyrics of this spiritual refer to the New Testament concept of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Balm of Gilead is interpreted as a spiritual medicine that is able to heal Israel (and sinners in general).
Darrell Winn – There Is A Balm In Gilead
There Is A Balm in Gilead is a traditional African American spiritual. The date of composition is unclear, though the song dates at least to the 19th century. A version of the refrain can be found in Washington Glass’s 1854 hymn “The Sinner’s Cure”.