IMPORTANCE OF PRAISE. The Scriptures often encourage God’s people to praise the LORD. The writers of the O.T. used three basic words to call Israelites to praise God. One is the burak, which is usually translated in the KJV as “to bless” God. The word halal comes next (from which “Hallelujah,” meaning “praise the LORD,” comes). Finally, there is the phrase yadah (sometimes translated as “give thanks”).
The call to praise God reverberates throughout the N.T. Jesus Himself praised His Father in heaven. Paul expects all nations to glorify God (Rom. 15:9-11; Eph. 1:3,6,12) and James calls us to praise the LORD (Jas. 3:9; 5:13).
The Bible’s first song, sung after the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea, was essentially a song of praise and thanksgiving to God (Exodus 15: see v. 2). Moses commanded the Israelites to praise God for His goodness in giving them the promised land when they entered it (Deut. 8:10).
Praising God is one of the main functions of angels (Ps. B 103:20; 148:2) and is the privilege of God’s people, both children (Mat. 21:16; cf. Ps. 8:2) and adults (Ps. 30:4; 148:11-13; Is. 42:10-12). Furthermore, God calls all nations to praise Him (Ps. 67:3-5; 117:1; 148:11-13; Is. 42:10-12; Rom. 15:11). In other words every human being that breathes is called to shout forth the praise of God (Ps. 150:6).
And in the end, the picture in Revelation is of a vast throng of both saints and angels praising God continually (Rev. 4:9-11).
Praise Ye The LORD!
Blessings,
Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes | The Church Within You!
FLSB | https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara375/episodes/REASONS-FOR-PRAISE-e2rqp1q
The Church Within You! 