Bible Question:
Where can I find info. on the different levels of praise with meanings such as the(Towdah,Tehillah,Towah,ect...) Praise and so on. Thanks |
Bible Answer: Rav. T. Tehillah or Hallel. In various forms this word means “to acclaim,” “to boast of,” “to glory in.” The word expresses a deep satisfaction to be found in exalting the acts and the qualities of the Person being praised. This verb is used primarily in the plural. This suggests that the joy of recognizing God’s greatness is to be shared by God’s people. Those who love God come together to rejoice in the Lord, and to exalt Him together. We sense this particularly in Psalm 65, which expresses how good it is to exalt God and to sense His greatness. I was taught Hallel worship is very similar form of worship to what we see today in teenager at a music concert. Riotous proclamation of the virtue of God. (Ed) Todah or Yadah is translated “to praise,” “to give thanks,” and “to confess.” This word and related terms emphasize our acknowledging of God’s works and of His character, often in contexts which emphasize human failure and need. Psalm 107 illustrates this emphasis in its opening verses. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say this—those He redeemed from the hand of the foe, those He gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty, and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:1-9 Typically, yadah is praise as an acknowledgment of God’s goodness. The sense of exultation implicit in it is seen in Psalm 118. Zamar means “to sing praise,” “to make music.” This word suggests the use of musical instruments in praising God, and is found only in Bible poetry. Once again, songs of praise focus on who God is and on what He has done. So David called on Israel in Psalm 9:11 to: Sing praises to the Lord, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations, what He has done. Sabah, in certain forms, means “to praise or commend.” This too is directed to the Lord. The word suggests adoration, the deepest kind of loving praise. Both who God is in His essential nature and God’s wonderful works for us. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend Your works to another; they will tell of Your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and I will meditate on Your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of Your awesome works, and I will proclaim Your great deeds. They will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness. Psalm 145:3-7 And so in these words, illustrated in praise songs, we sense the nature of praise as praise is revealed in the Old Testament and particularly in the Psalms. Praise is God’s people, gathered to adore and to give glory to God, for all that He is and for all that He has done. Praise is God’s people, gathered to remember His works, and to focus attention on Him. Praise is the overflowing joy of a people whose vision is filled with the beauty and the glory of their God. Source teacher’s commentary Hope this helps EdB |