Seven levels of Praise

Every day we hear words and phrases all expressing a view on praise, praising God,
and worship. This is good! It might be helpful therefore to share what our
forefathers of the Bible knew about praise and worship and perhaps learn why we do
what we do, when we do what we do. 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.

Level one or the First Word is BARAK:

The word Barak 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. Barak praise can 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.

Thus far, the levels or words for praise are those used mainly in a verbal manner.
The fourth level or word however, deals with 'music'. In the Hebrew language
there are several musical verbs, but the one that is predominant throughout the
book of psalms is called zamar. It 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 and
145.

We started out with halal which means to be boastful, excited and enjoying the
greatness and goodness of god. We went to the next level yadah and learned that
to give public acknowledgment of god and his greatness, tells others what god has
done; expressed mainly by the raising of hands during worship. The next level was
Barak, meaning to bless god and then zamar, which implies music in our worship.

The fifth level or word is shabach and 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 pictured in psalm 63:4. Terry law in
his book "the power of praise and worship" says this type of praise "makes the
devil shut up".

Number six is towdah and is related to yadah. Translated it means 'thanksgiving'

and also involves the raising of hands in adoration. It also suggests an attitude
of 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 psalm 50.
Tehillah 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. It is also depicted in 2 chronicles 20:22,
but refers to a special kind of singing that is unrehearsed, unprepared and which
today is referred to 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.

Mrs. Cecilia Askew

Chaplain/Spiritual Director