Topical Bible: God: Praised

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The concept of praising God is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the acknowledgment of His supreme power, holiness, and benevolence. Praise is an expression of worship and adoration, recognizing God's attributes and deeds. It is both a personal and communal act, often expressed through song, prayer, and proclamation.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, praise is frequently associated with the worship practices of Israel. The Psalms, in particular, are rich with expressions of praise. Psalm 150:6 declares, "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Hallelujah!" This verse encapsulates the universal call to praise God, emphasizing that all creation is invited to join in worship.

The Hebrew word for praise, "halal," is the root of "Hallelujah," meaning "Praise the LORD." This term is used extensively in the Psalms, which serve as a hymnbook for the Israelites. For example, Psalm 103:1-2 states, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds."

Praise in the Old Testament is often linked to God's mighty acts, such as the deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 15:1-2) and His creation of the world (Psalm 19:1). The Israelites praised God for His covenant faithfulness and His role as their protector and provider.

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, the theme of praising God continues and expands with the revelation of Jesus Christ. The birth of Jesus is heralded by angels who praise God, as seen in Luke 2:13-14 : "And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!'"

The early Christian community is depicted as a praising community. Acts 2:46-47 describes the believers as "continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people."

The Apostle Paul frequently exhorts believers to praise God, regardless of circumstances. In Ephesians 5:19-20 , he encourages the church to be "speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Theological Significance

Praising God is not merely a ritualistic act but a profound theological expression. It acknowledges God's sovereignty, grace, and love. Praise is an act of obedience and a response to God's revelation. It is transformative, drawing believers closer to God and aligning their hearts with His will.

The act of praise is also eschatological, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom. Revelation 5:13 envisions a future where "every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, was singing: 'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever!'"

Practical Application

For believers, praising God is both a privilege and a duty. It is an integral part of personal devotion and corporate worship. Praise can be expressed through various forms, including music, prayer, and testimony. It is a means of edification, encouragement, and evangelism, as it declares God's greatness to the world.

In summary, the praise of God is a vital aspect of the biblical narrative, reflecting the relationship between the Creator and His creation. It is an enduring call for all believers to recognize and celebrate the majesty and goodness of God.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 34:3
O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 72:17
His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

1392. doxazo -- to render or esteem glorious (in a wide ...
... For example, "giving (ascribing) glory to God" God in (essence ... 12), had glory (1),
has...glory (1), honor (1), honored (2), magnify (1), praised (1), praising (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1392.htm - 9k

Strong's Hebrew

1985. Hillel -- "he has praised," father of a judge of Isr.
... Word Origin from halal Definition "he has praised," father of a judge of Isr. NASB
Word Usage Hillel (2). Hillel. From halal; praising (namely God); Hillel, an ...
/hebrew/1985.htm - 6k

Library

Whether God Should be Praised with the Lips?
... OF TAKING THE DIVINE NAME FOR THE PURPOSE OF INVOKING IT BY MEANS OF PRAISE
(TWO ARTICLES) Whether God should be praised with the lips? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether god should be praised.htm

Whether God Should be Praised with Song?
... Objection 4: Further, in the Old Law God was praised with musical instruments and
human song, according to Ps.32:2,3: "Give praise to the Lord on the harp ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether god should be praised 2.htm

Gott Sei Gelobet Und Gebenedeiet. May God be Praised Henceforth ...
... XV. Gott sei gelobet und gebenedeiet. May God be praised henceforth and blest forever.
Melody (from a more ancient German Hymn-tune), Wittenberg, 1525. ...
/.../bacon/the hymns of martin luther/xv gott sei gelobet und.htm

Of the Very Dangerous Allurements of the Eyes; on Account of ...
... Book X. Chapter XXXIV."Of the Very Dangerous Allurements of the Eyes; On Account
of Beauty of Form, God, the Creator, is to Be Praised. 51. ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xxxiv of the very dangerous.htm

The Unity of God is Necessarily Implied in the Order of Nature...
... praised. God was praised, the Son of God was seen in God's angel, holy and
spiritual grace spake in the children. [1737]. Footnotes: ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter iv the unity of.htm

Virginity is Praised on Many Grounds, but Chiefly Because it ...
... Virginity is praised on many grounds, but chiefly because it brought down the Word
from ... the clouds, air, angels, and stars, has found the Word of God in the ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter iii virginity is praised.htm

The Angels Also are Evangelists.
... no knowledge among men of the mystery of the Gospel, those who were greater than
men and inhabitants of heaven, the army of God, praised God, saying, "Glory to ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/13 the angels also are.htm

Of the Sovereign Praise which God Gives unto Himself, and How we ...
... soul had conceived a certain desire of being able to praise God sufficiently; yet ...
is so infinitely praiseworthy, that it cannot be sufficiently praised save by ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xii of the sovereign.htm

Our Lady's Candle-Mass
... Her praise was sweeter and purer, and more pleasing to God, than when He had created
heaven and earth, the morning stars and the children of God praised Him. ...
/.../tauler/the inner way/sermon vii our ladys candle-mass.htm

That God is to be Loved and Worshipped in Diseases: and Also of ...
... that truly that is of gladness of conscience and ghostly mirth is to be praised;
the which is only in the righteous, and it is called mirth in the love of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter ix that god is.htm