LEVELS OF PRAISE

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The Hebrew has seven words or levels of praise. Each one is distinctive
and yet complimentary of each other. We will be looking at each with the view to
changing our lives so that we all are brought closer to the Holy of Holies. We begin
by examining the word Barak which means Bless.
Throughout the Old Testament this word is continually used. Thoughts on the
word 'bless' bring to mind all that God through his son Jesus Christ has done for
us in the past and presently. However, have we stopped to wonder how we
may bless God?
David in psalm 103: 1-2 tells us how, when he says: 'bless the Lord, o my soul;
and all that is within me, bless his holy name. [Some bible translations use the
word praise]. David continues on, by recalling and distinguishing all that God has
done.
[1] Barak praise can be also be used as a pattern or mode of prayer, as the
word suggests kneeling and blessing God in worship or devotion. The
song "father, we love you, we praise you, we adore you" is an expression of
Barak praise. Other psalms that express Barak praise are Ps.113 and Ps. 104.
In the Hebrew language there are several musical verbs, but the one that is
predominant throughout the Book of Psalms is called [2] Zamar. It
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demonstrates music in praise to God and advocates that praise and music
are interchangeable.
In the Old Testament music has been the main expression of praise used by the
Hebrews. The popular praise &worship chorus: "let everything that has breath
praise the Lord" is psalm 150 set to music, a perfect model of Zamar praise.
Other psalms are 92:1-3 and 81:1-2. A combination of Barak and Zamar praise
can be found in psalms 98, 95, 134 and145.
Next we look at [3] Halal which means to be boastful, excited and enjoying the
greatness and goodness of God and then on to [4] Yadah which means to give
public acknowledgement of God and his greatness. It demonstrates for others
what God has done and this is expressed mainly by the raising of hands during
worship.

[5] Shabach praise is best illustrated in psalm 117:1; 'O praise the Lord, all ye
nations: praise him, all ye people.' The word used here, means to speak highly
of, to address in a loud tone, to command triumph, glory and
to shout. This category of praise is also expressed in psalm 63:4.
According to the author Terry law in his book "the power of praise and worship",
he states that Shabach praise "makes the devil shut up". Next is [6] Towdah
and is closely related to Yadah. Translated it means 'thanksgiving' and
also involves the raising of hands in adoration. It also suggests an attitude of
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sacrificial praise. In other words, we give thanks and praise before we receive
from the Lord, or are delivered out of a situation. We rejoice and thank God
for his promises. Our praise and thanksgiving become a sacrifice unto the Lord
when we are ill or in dire straits. Note the services where many healings take
place! This is due largely to 'Towdah' praise. Read and meditate on psalm 50.
Finally, we look at [7] Tehillah which is the seventh and final level and relates to
singing; actually it means singing our Halals. Tehillah is portrayed in psalm
22:3 which tells us that God dwells in the praises of his people, meaning Israel
and is lso depicted in 2 chronicles 20:22. It refers to a special kind of singing that
is unrehearsed, unprepared and which today is maybe seen as "singing in
the spirit". This exhibition of praise brings unity into the congregation
and allows god to move in miraculous ways. Tehillah praise can be found in
psalms 34:1, 40:3, and 66:2
As Christians our lifestyle should be one of praise and worship at all levels. This is
the best form of witness and testimony when encouraging others to come to
Christ.

R Cecilia Askew, Chaplain

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