Topical Bible: Worship: Prostration

◄ Worship: Prostration ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Prostration, as an act of worship, is a physical expression of reverence, submission, and humility before God. This practice is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition and is evident throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Prostration involves bowing down or lying face down on the ground, symbolizing the worshiper's acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and holiness.

Old Testament Instances

In the Old Testament, prostration is frequently depicted as a response to divine encounters or revelations. One of the earliest examples is found in Genesis 17:3, where Abram falls facedown as God speaks to him: "Then Abram fell facedown, and God said to him." This act signifies Abram's recognition of God's covenant and his submission to God's will.

The Israelites also practiced prostration as a communal act of worship. In Exodus 34:8, Moses quickly bows to the ground and worships after God reveals His character and glory: "Moses immediately bowed down to the ground and worshiped." Similarly, in 2 Chronicles 7:3, when the Israelites witness the glory of the LORD filling the temple, they bow down with their faces to the ground, worshiping and giving thanks to the LORD.

Prostration is also associated with repentance and seeking God's mercy. In 1 Kings 18:39, after witnessing the fire of the LORD consume Elijah's sacrifice, the people fall facedown and declare, "The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!" This act of prostration is a response to God's undeniable power and presence.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, prostration continues to be a significant expression of worship. The Magi, upon finding the young Jesus, "fell down and worshiped Him" (Matthew 2:11). This act of prostration signifies their recognition of Jesus' divine kingship and their submission to Him.

Jesus Himself demonstrates the importance of humility in worship. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He falls with His face to the ground and prays, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). Here, prostration is an expression of Jesus' submission to the Father's will, even in the face of immense suffering.

The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of heavenly worship, where prostration is a central element. In Revelation 4:10, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever. This scene underscores the eternal nature of worship and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty by all creation.

Theological Significance

Prostration in worship is a profound acknowledgment of God's majesty and the worshiper's own humility. It is an outward manifestation of an inward posture of the heart, reflecting a deep reverence for God. This act of worship is not merely ritualistic but is intended to convey the worshiper's total surrender and devotion to the Almighty.

Throughout Scripture, prostration is associated with moments of divine revelation, repentance, and adoration. It serves as a reminder of the proper attitude one should have in approaching God—one of awe, respect, and submission. As believers engage in worship, prostration can be a meaningful way to physically express the spiritual reality of God's greatness and the believer's dependence on Him.

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Genesis 17:3
And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
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Mark 3:11
And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, You are the Son of God.
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Library

The Seventh vision "In Heaven"
... Yet the structure, as a whole, is perfect, and the utterances are significantly
marked by being alternated with prostration and worship: first, of the Elders ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the seventh vision in heaven.htm

Little Sins
... done. One prostration, and they may go their way safely. Not so. They will
not worship the golden image which the king has set up. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/little sins.htm

The Net Spread
... the gate, because he would have no share in an act of worship to any ... He could have
put his own private interpretation on the prostration, and said to himself ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the net spread.htm

Acts X
... together." It is not in keeping with the character of Cornelius to suppose that
he rendered to Peter such worship as is due to God. But prostration was the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts x.htm

The Old Testament and Comparative Religion
... of this new conception is that the Israelites now worship one God ... Thou hearest, O
Shamash, petition, prayer, and appeal, Humility, prostration, petitioning, and ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/chapter v the old testament.htm

'Our Father'
... This mighty word shatters all cowering terror and abject prostration. ... 4. It delivers
us from worship of the visible and from worship by means of the visible. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/our father.htm

On Idolatry
... (2.) Though prostration itself is ... when it is an act of religion, it is considered
as so peculiarly due to God, that the whole of divine worship is designated ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

Mahometans.
... and reducing it to its original purity, which consisted chiefly in the worship of
one ... say that they shall be distinguished by the marks of prostration on those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/mahometans.htm

The Manich??an System.
... the two sciences (see note in Fl?�gel p.310), and so on to the twelfth prostration. ...
The times of worship and of fasting are determined by the sun and the moon ...
/.../chapter iii name manichaean system.htm

By the Example of Judith is Shown that Courage is not Wanting in ...
... 3348] who of herself alone was able to rouse up from utter prostration and defend ...
the very refreshment of the body is to have respect to the worship of holy ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vii by the example.htm