Hebrew Words For Praise: Halal (Y'all)

 


Halal is used over 160 times in the Old Testament and means to shine; to make a show; to boast; to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; to celebrate. It describes expressive and exciting exultation. We find halal in hallelujah which means, "praise Yahweh" or "praise the Lord". Let's look at Scriptures that include halal.


"I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise(halal) you: You who fear the Lord, praise him(halal)! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!" 

Psalm 22:22-23 ESV


“Blessed are those who dwell in your house, 

ever singing your praise(halal)! Selah” Psalm 84:4 ESV


“Sing to the LORD, all the earth!
Tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised(halal), 

and he is to be feared above all gods.” 1 Chronicles 17:23-25


When we lived in Kansas City I had the opportunity to attend a Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium. It is said to be one of, if not the loudest outdoor stadium in the country. During the game there were moments the crowd was so loud it was almost painful. I’m pretty sure the roar of the crowd was louder than any concert I’ve ever been to. The fans are so passionate about their team that they boast about and celebrate them. This is a great example of halal. I want to show you another place where worship is expressed in the form of halal. 


“Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.” 

Revelation 19:6-8 ESV


Can you imagine how loud “like a roar of many waters” is?  I can only imagine this is many times louder than Arrowhead Stadium. Why is the worship so loud? Let me answer that with a question. Why are we so loud when we are cheering for our kids, favorite sports teams, favorite bands?  Because we love them, we enjoy them, and we celebrate their victories (even those we are hoping will come). It’s not too different than worship. We were all created to worship. It is a natural response. Now who you give worship to depends on who or what you love and desire.  You love and desire what you behold.  If you want to be a worshipper of God you must behold him. This worship we read about in Revelation is the response of those who have seen God in His glory and majesty.


Psalm 150 is full of halal, expressive praise with instruments and voices. I encourage you to find and read all the Scriptures where halal is used and praise God the way we are commanded to. Halal y’all!


Much Love,

David

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