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Seven Ways to praise
When we read the word 'praise' in our English Bibles, all we learn is that praise is praise and that is it. And moreover, the only way many Christians know how to praise the Lord is to say "Praise You Lord!" or "I praise You Lord!"! And that is about the extent of it!!
Now, it turns out that that word 'praise' really is a translation of more than one different word for 'praise'. And each of those words stands for a different way to praise the Lord. It is no wonder that one of the languages God chose to reveal Himself in is so much richer in expressing ways to praise Him, isn't it?
In fact there are no less than seven different words in the Hebrew language that are all translated by the one English word 'praise'. And we should find out about the different Hebrew words and their meanings.
Here they come:
First, there is hdwt or TOWDAH. It means to praise the Lord in and through adversity, while facing the enemy, while going through hard times. My hard times do not change Him, do they? He is always glorious and great and worthy of praise. If my praising Him is not changed by my circumstances, that is showing God-like character.
Second, there is hdy or YADAH. It means 'to lift your hands' as a demonstration to the world of what He's done for you.
Third, there is hrb or BAROUCH. It means 'to bow'
Fourth, there is hbs or SHABACH. It means 'to shout', i.e. to shout before the requested answer is given.
Fifth, there is rmz or ZAMAR. It means to play all manner of instruments that glorify the Lord.
Sixth, there is llh or HILLEL. It means 'to rave and boast'. It is what gets us on our toes and makes us want to dance.
Seventh, there is hllht or TEHILLAH. It is a combination of all the rest. In other words to have a complete freedom of expression in worship and thanks to the Lord.
(Based on Carman's song on the same subject)
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