Shir Ha’Emek (Song of the Valley) was written in 1934 for the film Land of Promise (L’Hayim Hadashim) portraying the lives of the pioneers in Eretz Israel, which was produced and financed by Keren Hayesod in 1935. The lyrics were written by Nathan Alterman and the music was composed by Daniel Samburski. The song describes the pioneer settlements, the lives of the pioneers and the work on the land in the Jezreel Valley in the 1920s and 30s. Keren Hayesod supported the establishment of the Jezreel Valley settlements and worked to develop agricultural settlement in the Land of Israel in general. Land of Promise was screened in movie houses throughout the world. Only the first two stanzas of the song, glorifying the Jezreel Valley, appear in the film. An unforgettable part of the film shows the composer teaching the song to the pioneers, who break out in thunderous applause. The third stanza is different in character, and there is some dispute as to the time and circumstances in which it was written.
Shir Ha’Emek
Words: Nathan Alterman
Music: Daniel Samburski
Sunset, and our labours ending,
Rest, to close the day’s ordeal –
Nightfall on swift wings descending
To the Valley of Jezreel!
Dew below and moonlight over all,
From Beth Alpha to Nahalal!
Hark, hark! Shadows conceal –
Dark, dark, silent Jezreel!
Lovely Valley, tranquilly sleeping,
We are your night-watch keeping!
Cornfields wave their golden flowers,
Bells of distant cattle peal –
All this wide, fair land is ours,
In the Valley of Jezreel!
Peace upon you, may all blessings fall
From Beth Alpha to Nahalal!
Hark, hark! Shadows conceal . . .
Darkenss on Gilboa paling
Horse and rider pass reveal!
Sudden cries and voices wailing
Pierce the Valley of Jezreel!
Who has fired? Who did victim fall?
‘Tween Beth Alpha and Nahalal?
Hark, hark! Shadows conceal . . .