In the biblical context, the obligation of praise is not limited to adults but extends to children as well. Scripture emphasizes the importance of teaching children to praise God, highlighting their unique role in worship and the expression of faith.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides several instances where children are depicted as participants in the act of praising God. One of the most direct references is found in Psalm 8:2, which states, "From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger." This verse underscores the power and significance of praise coming from the youngest members of the community, suggesting that their pure and sincere worship has a profound impact.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself acknowledges the praise of children. In Matthew 21:15-16, after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the chief priests and scribes were indignant at the children shouting praises in the temple courts. Jesus responded by quoting Psalm 8:2, affirming the validity and importance of their praise: "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked. "Yes," Jesus answered, "have you never read: 'From the mouths of children and infants You have prepared praise'?"

Instruction and Example

The obligation for children to praise God is also supported by the biblical mandate for parents and the community to instruct them in the ways of the Lord. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage highlights the responsibility of parents to instill a lifestyle of worship and reverence for God in their children.

Furthermore, the example of young Samuel in 1 Samuel 2-3 illustrates a life dedicated to serving and praising God from a young age. Samuel's early years in the temple under Eli's guidance set a precedent for children being active participants in worship and service to God.

The Role of Children in Worship

Children's participation in worship is not only a biblical mandate but also a reflection of the kingdom of God. Jesus emphasized the value of childlike faith and humility in Matthew 18:3-4, saying, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

The presence of children in worship settings serves as a reminder of the purity and sincerity that should characterize all believers' praise. Their involvement in singing, prayer, and other forms of worship enriches the communal experience and fulfills the biblical vision of a multigenerational faith community.

Conclusion

The obligation of praise upon children is a theme woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing their integral role in the worship of God. Through biblical instruction, example, and the direct words of Jesus, it is clear that children are not only capable of praising God but are also called to do so as part of their spiritual formation and expression of faith.Psalm 8:2
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings have you ordained strength because of your enemies, that you might still the enemy and the avenger.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 21:16
And said to him, Hear you what these say? And Jesus said to them, Yes; have you never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings you have perfected praise?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Sin of Silence
... to do, and for doing which he deserved no thanks nor praise. ... Both forms of service
are obligatory upon each of us ... of Christ in the course of the life upon earth ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the sin of silence.htm

Divine Sovereignty.
... God's attributes and relations render it obligatory upon him to ... him there for a
burnt-offering upon one of ... I not give to another, neither my praise to graven ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlv divine sovereignty.htm

Covenant Duties.
... I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast ... The people of Israel were the children
of that Covenant, and recognised its engagements as obligatory upon them. ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

Ananias and Sapphira.
... excellence, to the love of praise, must be ... spirit, who works in the children of
disobedience ... their possessions, from being obligatory upon succeeding generations ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vi ananias and sapphira.htm

The Congregationalists.
... and attendance at communion were made obligatory upon all residents ... to say one word
in praise of New ... Form of Presbyterial Church Government agreed upon by the ...
/.../ 101 the congregationalists.htm

Moral Depravity.
... It is claimed, that its being enjoined as obligatory upon the eighth ... To sum up the
truth upon this subject in ... of right and wrong"of praise and blameworthiness ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxiv moral depravity.htm

Human Government.
... which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the ... Arbitrary legislation can never
be really obligatory. ... good of being, and is conditionated upon its necessity ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xx human government.htm

Spiritual Hunger Shall be Satisfied
... water upon him that is thirsty, I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed ... Promises are
obligatory. ... The Lord loves to bestow his mercy where he may have most praise. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/14 spiritual hunger shall be.htm

part 2
... Tithing is even more obligatory on the saints of the New ... And the rain was upon the
earth forty days and forty ... in a shop, do they?) and yet, praise the Lord, I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/tithing/part 2.htm

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
... Psalmist said, "So will I sing praise unto thy ... Duties are incumbent upon them, in
consequence of their civil relations; and are none obligatory on them ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter v covenanting confers obligation.htm

What does it mean to praise the Lord? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to praise God? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between praise and worship? | GotQuestions.org

Praise: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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