Topical Bible: Word of God: The People Stood and Responded by Saying "Amen"

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Topical Encyclopedia

The phrase "The People Stood and Responded by Saying 'Amen'" captures a significant moment of communal affirmation and reverence for the Word of God. This expression is rooted in biblical tradition, where the congregation collectively acknowledges and agrees with the declarations or teachings presented to them. The term "Amen" itself is a Hebrew word meaning "truly" or "so be it," signifying agreement, truth, and faithfulness.

Biblical Context and Significance

One of the most illustrative examples of this practice is found in the book of Nehemiah. In Nehemiah 8:5-6 , we read: "Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was standing above them all. As he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and with their hands uplifted, all the people said, 'Amen, Amen!' Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground." This passage highlights the deep respect and reverence the Israelites had for the Word of God. Standing up was a physical demonstration of honor, while the collective "Amen" was a vocal affirmation of their commitment to the covenant and the teachings of the Scriptures.

Theological Implications

The act of standing and responding with "Amen" underscores several theological principles:

1. Reverence for Scripture: The physical act of standing signifies respect and honor for the Word of God. It acknowledges the authority and sacredness of the Scriptures as the divine revelation to humanity.

2. Communal Affirmation: The collective response of "Amen" reflects the unity and shared faith of the community. It is a public declaration of agreement with God's Word and an expression of communal commitment to live according to its teachings.

3. Active Participation: By responding with "Amen," the congregation actively participates in the worship and acknowledgment of God's truth. It is not a passive reception but an engaged and conscious affirmation of faith.

4. Covenantal Renewal: In the context of Nehemiah, the people's response signifies a renewal of their covenant with God. It is a reaffirmation of their identity as God's chosen people and their dedication to His commandments.

Contemporary Application

In modern Christian worship, the practice of responding with "Amen" continues to hold significance. It serves as a reminder of the importance of engaging with the Word of God actively and communally. Whether in liturgical settings, personal devotions, or corporate worship, saying "Amen" is a powerful way for believers to express their faith, agreement, and commitment to living out the teachings of Scripture.

In conclusion, the phrase "The People Stood and Responded by Saying 'Amen'" encapsulates a profound moment of worship and affirmation in the biblical narrative. It serves as a timeless reminder of the reverence due to the Word of God and the importance of communal participation in the life of faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 8:5,6
And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
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Exodus 24:7
And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD has said will we do, and be obedient.
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Deuteronomy 27:12-26
These shall stand on mount Gerizim to bless the people, when you are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin:
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Library

Reading the Law with Tears and Joy
... Whether the people had heard it before, or, as seems implied, it was strange to ... by
that waiting crowd prone on their faces, and blessing God for His word. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/reading the law with tears.htm

The Centurion
... great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited His people." The
funeral ... His word, that called the dead to life, is no less efficacious ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 32 the centurion.htm

Martyrdom of the Holy and Glorious Apostle Bartholomew.
... And straightway he arose at the word of the apostle, and ... the one sealed the temple
and the people, and said ... dwelling in it, whom the apostle of God has ordered ...
/.../martyrdom of the holy and.htm

The Synagogue.
... The term "synagogue" (like our word church) signifies first the ... give to us, O Lord
our God, the law ... The people stood during prayer with their faces turned to ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 51 the synagogue.htm

Standing with the People
... "Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that oppress the poor, that crush
the needy.... ... God save the people!""EBENEZER ELLIOTT. ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter iii standing with the.htm

God's Sovereignty Defined
... mercy on me." There is not a word in the ... own ways while Israel becomes the covenant
people of Jehovah. ... Because God is Sovereign and dispenses His favours as He ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter one gods sovereignty defined.htm

The Temple Cleansed Again
... "To them which stumble at the word, being disobedient ... dead He would be declared
"the Son of God with power ... it will grind him to powder." The people who rejected ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 65 the temple cleansed.htm

"The Light of Life"
... seeking for something to question in the word of God ... and avowed Himself to be, the
Son of God, they were ... Now many of the people, siding with the priests and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 51 the light of.htm

Acts XVIII
... and that he called them his people on account ... we have here "teaching the word of
God." This change ... in teaching his hearers the practical precepts of the Word. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xviii.htm

Protest of the Princes.
... other influence than that which proceeds from the word of God ... our chief labor, is
prayer; let the people know that ... that Thou art our Father and our God," he said ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /11 protest of the princes.htm