The Power of Praise - Exploring the 9 Hebrew Names for Praise

Introduction

We often overlook the significance of our praise and its meaning to God. Many question the importance of giving thanks and praise, wondering, "What difference can my small praise make?" or "What impact can it have in the grand scheme of things?".

You would be amazed if you understood what God and the angels are averting on our behalf. Our praise is not merely a way to say thanks; it is not just a sound. It is also a weapon. Therefore, it is crucial to make praising God a lifestyle (Ps. 34:1, Ps. 57:7).

Our praise is not merely a way to say thanks; it is not just a sound. It is also a weapon.

Let me share a story that highlights the transformative power of praise. In her book, Healing from Heaven, Dr. Lilian B. Yeomans recounts the story of a missionary who contracted smallpox in China. Quarantined by doctors, she felt the Lord instruct her to praise Him fervently and diligently. Despite the disease being a death sentence at the time, she praised her way to healing.

This story illustrates that praise is not only the way we say thanks or a sound or a weapon, but it can also restore health to the dying.

I challenge you to start tomorrow morning by dedicating 10 minutes to thanking and praising God for the next five to seven days. Observe the difference it makes. This can include singing a few praise songs, reciting scriptural confessions, or declaring His praise from the Book of Psalms—whatever the Spirit of God inspires you to do.

Commit to breaking free from your usual morning routine of checking the news, social media, WhatsApp statuses, or messages. Set these distractions aside for a week and take up this challenge.

In the rich tapestry of Hebrew language and culture, praise holds significant importance. The Hebrew people have a deep and nuanced understanding of praise, encapsulated in the various names attributed to this powerful act.

To assist you, we will explore the 9 Hebrew names for praise, uncovering their meanings, practical applications, and scriptural references.

The 9 Hebrew names for praise

Yadah - ידה (yaw-daw): Acknowledging God's Works

Meaning: Yadah signifies extending the hands in adoration, expressing gratitude and thanksgiving.

Practical Application: Cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude, acknowledging God's works in your life.

Psalm 42:5 - "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

Barak - ָבּ ַר (baw-rak): Bowing in Awe

Meaning: Barak involves kneeling or bowing down, symbolizing humility and reverence.

Practical Application: Approach God with humility, recognizing His sovereignty.

Psalm 95:6 - "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."

Halal - ָה ַלל (haw-lal): Celebrating with Gusto

Meaning: Halal involves a loud celebration, praising God with exuberance.

Practical Application: Celebrate God's goodness with joy and enthusiasm.

Psalm 150:1 - "Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens."

Tehillah - ְתּ ִה ָלּה (teh-hil-law): Singing a New Song

Meaning: Tehillah refers to singing spontaneous, unrehearsed praises to God.

Practical Application: Engage in heartfelt worship through spontaneous songs of praise.

Psalm 40:3 - "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God."

Zamar - ָז ַמר (zaw-mar): Playing Skillfully

Meaning: Zamar involves playing musical instruments skillfully in worship.

Practical Application: Use your talents to worship God with skill and excellence.

Psalm 33:3 - "Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy."

Towdah - תּוֹ ָדה (to-daw): Offering Thankful Praise

Meaning: Towdah involves extending the hands in adoration, signifying offering thanks.

Practical Application: Express gratitude to God, even in challenging circumstances.

Psalm 50:14 - "Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving and fulfill your vows to the Most High."

Shabach - ָשׁ ַבח (shaw-bakh): Shouting Praises

Meaning: Shabach involves shouting aloud in praise and triumph.

Practical Application: Boldly declare God's praises with confidence and faith.

Psalm 47:1 - "Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy."

Talliyah - תלליה (tal-lee-yaw): Lifting Up Praise

Meaning: Talliyah involves lifting up hands in surrender and adoration.

Practical Application: Lift up your praise to God in surrender and trust.

Psalm 134:2 - "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord."

Shabachah - ַשׁ ָבּ ָחה (shaw-baw-kaw): Adoring God in Silence

Meaning: Shabachah involves silent contemplation, adoring God in awe-inspiring stillness.

Practical Application: Set aside moments of silent adoration and awe in God's presence.

Habakkuk 2:20 - "But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him."

These 9 Hebrew names for praise offer a profound framework for approaching God with authenticity, gratitude, and celebration. By incorporating these various expressions into our worship, we can deepen our connection with the Divine and experience the transformative power of praise in our lives.

As we embrace these diverse ways of praising God, may our hearts be continually attuned to the beauty of worshipping God in spirit and truth.