"A dislike of enthusiasm can be one of the greatest hindrances to revival."
Martyn-Lloyd-Jones, Welsh minister and doctor
Our outward expressions of praise are a reflection of a heart gripped by God. True praise is integrated, body, soul and spirit, we use our physical expressions to express what is in our heart and spirit. The writers of scripture command us no less than 250 times to praise God. These commands are not to be heavy and burdensome but to draw us closer to His heart and express a correct response to who God is.
The writer of Psalm 98:4 says, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!”
The Apostle Paul follows up and states in Romans 15:11 "And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.”
The Old Testament is filled with examples of God’s people praising him. The authors of the Old Testament use seven Hebrew words for our English word “praise,” each word meaning something a little different. As you dive into each word let it shape the way you express your heart to God.
Hallal
Many of us are familiar with King David dancing before the Lord as the Ark of the Covenant was being brought back into Jerusalem after being gone for many years. Some of those watching David that day thought he was a fool for the way he worshiped God. However, this was God-honoring worship at its finest. (2 Samuel 6)
Definition:
To Shine, To Rave, To Praise, To Boast, To be Clamorously Foolish, To Act Madly
2 Samuel 22:4: “I called to the Lord who is worthy of praise, (Hallal) and have been saved from my enemies.
1 Chronicles 29:13: “Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise (Hallal) your glorious name.”
Yadah
Definition:
To Revere or Worship, To give thanks or praise. To lift the hands
Psalm 28:7: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
2 Chronicles 7:3: "When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
Barak
Definition:
To Bless, To kneel, To Salute
Psalm 95:6: "O come let us worship and bow down; let us kneel (barak) before the Lord our maker."
Judges 5:2: “When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves, praise the Lord!”
Tehillah
Definition:
A song or a hymn of praise. Spontaneous Expression of spiritual song
Psalm 34:1: “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”
Psalm 51:15: “Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.”
I believe worship that honours our Lord is the praise that wells up spontaneously within us and we express it in gratitude and thanks. I encourage you to sing out a spontaneous song to the Lord, even right now!
Zamar
Definition:
To make music, to sing praise. To play a musical instrument. To pluck and Twang
Psalm 30:12: “That my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.”
1 Chronicles 16:9: "Sing to Him, sing praises (zamar) to Him; speak of all His wonders."
Towdah
Definition:
Confession, Praise, Thanksgiving
Psalm 42:4: “These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.”
Jeremiah 33:11: "the voices of those who sing, as they bring thank offerings to the house of the Lord: “‘Give thanks to the Lord of hosts, for the Lord is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!’
Shabach
Definition:
To Exclaim, To Shout, To laud, praise commend
Isaiah 12:6: "Cry aloud and shout (shabach) for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."
Psalm 63:3: “Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!”
Jesus states if those praising Him didn't the rocks would cry out. Don’t let the rocks cry out His praise instead of you! He is so good and worthy of us to shout his praise and make his name known!
David writes in Psalm 147:1: “Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.”
Our praise, adoration and worship is fitting; it is our only correct response to a worthy God!
One of my favourite quotes is from Richard Faster, he says, ‘Praise the Lord!’ is the shout that reverberates from one end of the Psalter to the other. Singing, shouting, dancing, rejoicing, adoring - all are the language of praise!’
Let these words shape how you express your love and adoration of our great God!
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