Praise
Praise is ascribed to God and embodied in Judah's name.
Praise in the Hebrew Scriptures is both an act of worship directed toward the LORD and a descriptor of human or divine worth. The name Judah itself means "praise," as Leah declared at his birth: "Now will I praise the LORD" (Genesis 29:35). The LORD is described as "glorious in holiness, fearful in praises" (Exodus 15:11), and He is called "thy praise" for Israel (Deuteronomy 10:21). Praise is offered through song, instruments, and spoken word, often in response to deliverance or God's enduring mercy (2 Chronicles 5:13; 2 Chronicles 7:3).
Quick Facts
- Name meaning
- Judah means 'praise' (Genesis 29:35)
- Worthy of praise
- The LORD is worthy to be praised (2 Samuel 22:4)
- Praise with instruments
- Four thousand praised the LORD with instruments (1 Chronicles 23:5)
- Praise for mercy
- For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever (2 Chronicles 5:13; 2 Chronicles 7:3)
Lore & Background
The first occurrence of praise in these passages is tied to the birth of Judah, whose name Leah derived from her intent to praise the LORD (Genesis 29:35). Later, Jacob's blessing over Judah declares that his brothers shall praise him, linking the name to both human acclaim and divine favor (Genesis 49:8). The LORD Himself is called "thy praise" in Deuteronomy, indicating that God is the object and source of Israel's praise (Deuteronomy 10:21).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray praise as a response to God's character and acts. The LORD is uniquely praiseworthy: "Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods?" (Exodus 15:11). David calls Him "worthy to be praised" as a source of salvation from enemies (2 Samuel 22:4). Praise is also a communal duty, performed by Levites daily (1 Chronicles 23:30) and during festivals. The people praised God when they saw His glory fill the temple (2 Chronicles 7:3). However, praise can be misdirected: the Philistines praised their god Dagon after Samson's capture (Judges 16:24), and Absalom was praised for his beauty alone (2 Samuel 14:25). True praise is directed to the LORD, who does "great and terrible things" (Deuteronomy 10:21) and who exalts Israel "in praise, and in name, and in honour" (Deuteronomy 26:19).
Did You Know?
- Four thousand Levites were appointed to praise the LORD with instruments made by David (1 Chronicles 23:5).
- The fruit of the fourth year was set apart as 'holy to praise the LORD withal' (Leviticus 19:24).
Elsewhere in Figures of Scripture
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