Praise, as expressed by the Israelites, is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting their relationship with God and their response to His mighty acts and divine nature. The Hebrew word for praise, "halal," is the root of "Hallelujah," meaning "Praise the Lord." This expression of worship is woven into the fabric of Israelite life, culture, and religious practice.

Old Testament Foundations

The Israelites' practice of praise is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where it is often associated with music, song, and communal worship. The Book of Psalms, known as the hymnbook of ancient Israel, is replete with calls to praise God. Psalm 150:1-6 encapsulates this spirit: "Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens. Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him for His excellent greatness."

The Israelites praised God for His creation, His deliverance, and His covenant faithfulness. In Exodus 15, following the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, Moses and the Israelites sang a song of praise, declaring, "The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation" (Exodus 15:2). This song celebrates God's power and deliverance, setting a precedent for future acts of worship.

The Role of the Levites

The Levites, a tribe set apart for religious duties, played a significant role in leading the Israelites in praise. They were responsible for the music and singing in the tabernacle and later in the temple. In 1 Chronicles 16, David appoints Levites to minister before the Ark of the Covenant, to "give thanks to the LORD, the God of Israel" (1 Chronicles 16:4). This organized worship included psalms, hymns, and musical instruments, highlighting the importance of praise in Israelite worship.

Praise in the Temple Worship

The construction of Solomon's Temple marked a significant development in the formalization of praise. The temple became the central place of worship, where sacrifices and offerings were accompanied by songs of praise. In 2 Chronicles 5:13-14 , during the dedication of the temple, the Levites and musicians praised the LORD, saying, "He is good; His loving devotion endures forever." This act of worship was so powerful that "the glory of the LORD filled the house of God."

Praise in Times of Trouble

The Israelites also turned to praise during times of distress and uncertainty. The account of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 illustrates this. Facing a formidable enemy, Jehoshaphat appointed singers to praise the LORD, and as they sang, "Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever," God set ambushes against their enemies (2 Chronicles 20:21-22). This narrative underscores the belief that praise can invoke divine intervention and deliverance.

Prophetic and Eschatological Praise

The prophets often called the Israelites to return to genuine worship and praise. Isaiah 12:4-5 exhorts, "Give praise to the LORD; proclaim His name! Make His works known among the peoples; declare that His name is exalted. Sing to the LORD, for He has done glorious things." This prophetic vision extends to an eschatological hope where all nations will join in praising God.

Praise in the New Testament Context

While the New Testament shifts the focus to the person and work of Jesus Christ, the tradition of Israelite praise continues to influence early Christian worship. Hebrews 13:15 encourages believers to "continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name." This reflects the continuity of praise as a vital expression of faith and devotion.

In summary, praise among the Israelites was a multifaceted expression of worship, thanksgiving, and reliance on God. It permeated their religious practices, cultural expressions, and personal devotion, serving as a testament to their covenant relationship with the Almighty.1 Chronicles 16:36
Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

3094. Yehallelel -- "he shall praise God," two Israelites
... Yehallelel. 3095 . "he shall praise God," two Israelites. Transliteration: Yehallelel
Phonetic Spelling: (yeh-hal-lel-ale') Short Definition: Jehallelel. ...
/hebrew/3094.htm - 6k

Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving
... But when these same Israelites were brought through the Red Sea dry shod, while
their enemies were destroyed, there was a song of praise led by Miriam, the ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/iv prayer praise and thanksgiving.htm

The United Song of Praise
... Let them praise the name of the Lord, For his name alone is exalted. ... the might of
his people; He is praised by all who are faithful, By the Israelites, who are ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the united song of praise.htm

From all Thy Saints in Warfare, for all Thy Saints at Rest
... Like him may we be guileless, true Israelites indeed,. That thy abiding presence
our longing souls may feed. Praise, Lord, for him whose Gospel thy human life ...
/.../holy days general for saints.htm

The Escape from Egypt
... Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to Jehovah: ... Jehovah is my strength and
song, he has delivered me; He is my God, I will praise him; my father's God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the escape from egypt.htm

Moses.
... When the Israelites had reached the Red Sea, they found that Pharaoh was pursuing
them with ... saw that they were safe, they sang a beautiful song of praise to God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/moses.htm

Thanksgiving Versus Complaining
... It seemed to be almost the principal part of the worship of the Israelites. "Praise
ye the Lord, for the Lord is good: sing praises to his name, for it is ...
/.../smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 15 thanksgiving versus complaining.htm

Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
... will rejoice with trembling as I praise the Holy One. As I look upon the two sides
of His Holiness, as revealed to the Egyptians and the Israelites, I remember ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/sixth day holiness and glory.htm

The Well-Spring of Salvation
... when he wrote our text is very clear to anybody who will observe that it occurs
in the middle of a song of praise, which corresponds to the Israelites' song at ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the well-spring of salvation.htm

Slavery
... to sing her one of the hymns they sang in France in praise of their God. The request
brought tears to Vincent's eyes. He thought of the Israelites captive in ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/forbes/life of st vincent de paul/chapter 2 slavery.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... in caves, with no weapons save their tools for husbandry, the Israelites, under
his ... giving them his own glorious Book of Psalms, full of praise, prayer, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

Why is praising God important? | GotQuestions.org

What are hymns? What is the value of hymns in worship? | GotQuestions.org

What are the heavenly hosts? | GotQuestions.org

Praise: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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