Praise: Exalting God

The word “praise” is a word normally associated with the Bible and the worship of the One True and Living God. While the word can be used in the Bible to admire other believers good deeds (1 Corinthians 11:2), it is predominately used for God. God alone is worthy of all praise. He is to be praised for all that He is as revealed in creation and in the Bible (Romans 1:18-20).

A survey of the words for praise in the Old Testament will help us appreciate the richness of giving praise to God in our lives. The first Hebrew word to mention is the word “hallah,” since it is the most common word for praise in the Old Testament, being mentioned 165 times. This word means to boast, to celebrate, to extol or rave about God. Joel 2:26 states, Praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you. It is a declaration of worship to God. This is something that should be common place in our lives. Saying “praise the Lord” is a biblical phrase and should not be cliché, but it is should always be spoken from the heart to glorify God. The Hebrew word “tehillah” is exclusively translated “praise” or “praises” in all 57 times it is used. It means to sing out loud the magnificence of the Lord. Psalms 34:1 uses this word, I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. “Tehillah” can involve music, but it is especially singing. Singing is a vital element in our worship of God. Another Hebrew word used in a similar vein is, “zamar.” This word means to sing and play instruments in worship to God. Psalms 21:13 uses this word, Be exalted, O LORD, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power. “Zamar” speaks of exalting God through every available instrument to make music and harmony before the Lord God Almighty. There is another word “shebach,” and it is unique in that it is an Aramaic word only mentioned in the book of Daniel. “Shebach” means to address in a loud tone, praise to God. This word shows up in the life of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. God struck him and caused him to be insane because of his pride. Seven year later when God restored him to sanity, he shouted words of praise to God according to Daniel 4:34, At the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever. The same Hebrew word for Thanksgiving (“yadah”) can also mean to praise God by giving thanks to Him. Isaiah 12:4 uses this word, Praise the LORD, call upon His name; declare His deeds among the peoples, make mention that His name is exalted. The last Hebrew word I will mention is the word, “barak.” This word is normally translated “bless.” The word means to kneel, and carries the idea of honoring the Lord in reverence before Him. It denotes a blessing to God in the form of praise, but is rarely translated as such. Psalm 135:19 is a good example, Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron. No man can bless the Lord unless they have been made right with God through Christ alone. Once a person has been saved, then they can kneel before God and praise Him for who He is. 

The New Testament has this same emphasis of praise to God. We are to live a life of praise by speaking out the wonders and glories of God (Philippians 1:11). The church is a called out assembly of believers who are chosen to proclaim the praises of Christ Who has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). There is no limit to the ways in which God may be praised. May this be our hearts intention and part of our everyday language all year long.