“Give praise to His holy name!

May the hearts of those who seek Yahweh rejoice!”

(Psalm 105:3)

This verse of the psalm begins with the very familiar phrase: “Hallelujah.” Or, if we were going to pronounce it as it is written, “hithhalelu!” Why is that significant? It is significant because the verbal stem is what is called a “hithpael” (notice the “hith” sound at the beginning). In the Hebrew language, the Hithpael communicates the idea not only of an intensified action, but it is an intensified action with which the speaker participates (technically we would call this a “reflexive” verb). 

Why is this important? It is important because David is not just commanding others to praise God, he is praising God himself. It is a reminder that those who would lead worship (pastors and the Elders; perhaps some assistants or musicians) are also to engage in worship. Too often, worship is treated more like a form of entertainment — whether through praise bands, choirs, or people singing special music — when worship is supposed to be something in which we all participate. Even the unbeliever is commanded to worship, as we saw earlier in this psalm. I have known Elders who have somehow seen themselves as being above singing in worship and I have seen congregations where only a small percentage of the people actually sing (many hoping that the volume of the band or the organ will cover for the fact that their singing is little more than a mumble).

No, my friends, we are all to engage in worship. Do you want a choir in your church? Indeed, let the entirety of the congregation be the choir. Do you want to practice so you know the music prior to Sunday morning? Indeed, bring the entire body together so that everyone can practice singing what will be sung on the following Sunday. This is especially important if you are learning a new psalm to sing (while not new to God, many will be new to the congregation). And the Elders should be the most visible leaders of worship. The same is true for the pastor. Our praise is reflexive by the very nature of what it is. The angels will join with you; the mountains and valleys will join with you. All of the created order will join with you. Worship he King. 

What is the focus of our praise? God’s holy name. The term “holiness” is the Hebrew word קָדֹשׁ (qadosh). It means to be set apart for God’s sole purpose. Thus, the instruments of the Tabernacle and Temple worship were only ever to be used for worship in the Tabernacle or temple, respectively. They were never to be used for common chores. Hence, God’s name is Holy and is only ever to be used for the adoration of God’s people (this is why breaking the third commandment is treated so harshly). And, of course, we, as God’s people are called upon to be Holy. What does that mean? Every moment of your day is to be used in such a manner that you honor our God. Your life does not belong to you; you do not get to live as you see fit. It belongs to God and you are called upon to use it as He sees fit. Anything more than that is rebellion — it is sin.

So, praise His holy name. And, if you seek Yahweh, rejoice in seeking Him! Why rejoice in the seeking? First, the only reason you seek Him is because He has changed your heart and is drawing you to Himself. This is good news indeed! He will be found by those who diligently seek Him with their obedience to His Word (1 Chronicles 28:9). And where might you find God? He is not hiding in the woods or on the golf range. He is revealed in His Word. Finding God is not simply an experience that one may or may not have. Finding God is an intentional act of seeking Him where He may be found. And he may be found in the Scriptures, for that contains the full record of His self-revelation. Yes, experience is often a result of having discovered God in His Word, but it is not ever a stand-alone sort of thing.

So, seek God where He can be found (in scripture); worship His Holy Name (with reverence, as guided by Scripture)! God has not only instructed us to seek Him, but He has given us the means by which He may be sought (scripture) and He has taught us (in scripture) the ways in which He desires to be worshipped when we find Him (again, in Scripture!!!). What more is left than to live a life that honors Him who gave you life in the first place?