Topical Bible: Praise: Called The: Calves of the Lips

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In the biblical context, the phrase "calves of the lips" is a metaphorical expression that signifies the offering of praise and thanksgiving to God. This imagery is derived from the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, where calves and other animals were offered as sacrifices to God. The phrase emphasizes the spiritual nature of praise as a sacrifice that is pleasing to God, akin to the physical offerings made under the Mosaic Law.

The primary scriptural reference for this expression is found in the book of Hosea. Hosea 14:2 states, "Take words of repentance with you and return to the LORD. Say to Him: 'Forgive all our iniquity and accept what is good, so that we may repay You with the calves of our lips.'" Here, the prophet Hosea calls the people of Israel to repentance and encourages them to offer their words of praise and confession as a form of spiritual sacrifice.

The use of "calves of the lips" underscores the transition from the Old Covenant, which emphasized physical sacrifices, to the New Covenant, which highlights spiritual worship and the offering of one's heart and words to God. This transition is further supported by the New Testament teachings, where believers are encouraged to offer sacrifices of praise. Hebrews 13:15 echoes this sentiment: "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name."

In the broader biblical narrative, praise is a central theme that reflects the believer's relationship with God. It is an act of worship that acknowledges God's sovereignty, goodness, and mercy. The Psalms, in particular, are replete with exhortations to praise God, illustrating the importance of verbal expressions of adoration and gratitude. Psalm 50:14 instructs, "Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High."

The concept of "calves of the lips" also highlights the sincerity and intentionality required in worship. Just as physical sacrifices were to be offered with a pure heart, so too must the words of praise be genuine and heartfelt. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in John 4:23-24 , where He declares, "But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth."

In summary, the phrase "calves of the lips" serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual act of praising God. It reflects the shift from physical to spiritual sacrifices and underscores the importance of sincere, heartfelt worship in the life of a believer. Through praise, Christians are invited to offer their words as a pleasing sacrifice to God, acknowledging His greatness and expressing their devotion.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 14:2
Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say to him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

But Though Prayer is Properly Confined to Vows and Supplications.. ...
... us graciously; so will we render the calves of our ... by enjoining us "to offer the
sacrifice of praise to God ... of whom wonder when Christ is called an intercessor ...
/.../of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 28 but though prayer.htm

The Joyous Return
... the habit of turning to a man who is called a priest? ... render the calves of our lips."
What are the "calves of our ... They are sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the joyous return.htm

Of the Popish Mass. How it not Only Profanes, but Annihilates the ...
... 2). And Hosea gives the name of "calves of the ... thanks, we offer nothing but the
sacrifice of praise. ... office of sacrificing, all Christians are called "a royal ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 of the popish.htm

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ...
... their exorcists, but I see they were so called from the ... we all are priests, but to
offer praise and thanksgiving ... why do they not hurry oxen, calves, and lambs ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of the five.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... the same circumstances, will not be less called than those ... address to God, except
the song of praise, can be ... us graciously: so will we render the calves of our ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

Introduction.
... Zion." To these "Imitations," as the author called them"sixty ... the revolutions of
the sky, and praise his Maker ... graciously, so will we render the calves of our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/introduction.htm

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... people promise to render to God the calves of their ... a joyous character, that is,
songs of praise; Song of ... bear this title (120-134) were so called because they ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxi the poetical books.htm

The Great Change
... priests, you have done with the so-called "sacred thread ... it alone; but as for me,
'his praise shall continually ... graciously: so will we render the calves of our ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the great change.htm

The Priesthood of Christ
... the Lord." We will offer to God "the calves of our ... But we would first praise thee
for having willed that thy ... and of thy Son; that thou hast called Holland, our ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... in the simple promise, and the Lord be called to judge ... parallel to the offering of
the sacrifice of praise. ... us graciously: so will we render the calves of our ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm