Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. (Psalm 111:1)

This psalm begins in a most interesting way, especially as we examine it in Hebrew. The initial phrase, “Praise the Lord,” is only one word in Hebrew — Hallelujah. Obviously, this word is known by most everyone throughout the world as a term of praise. But what many don’t know is that this word is unique when compared to other such terms, because it actually contains the Name of God, Yah. Actually, there has long been debate as to whether this should be considered as one word, Hallelujah, or two — Hallelu Yah. In this passage, it is written as one word and is understood to mean, “Let us all” (as in the entire congregation of Israel) “praise Yah.”

As I said, this word is unique when compared to other terms used to denote praise. In fact, throughout the Book of Psalms, there are ten different terms used to express praise for God, but Hallelujah is the only one that contains the Sacred Name of the Creator. In that regard it stands alone, and frankly, shouldn’t be mishandled. By that I mean it shouldn’t be considered as an ordinary word to be invoked in just any way. Technically, because it does contain the holy name of God, to use it flippantly and irreverently is considered by some Jewish schools of thought to be akin to profaning the Name of God. Just something to keep in mind. 

But let’s go back to a previous point: literally, the word means “Let us (all) praise the Lord.” It is typically used when someone encourages an entire group — a congregation or a nation — to join together in praise to the Most High. The psalmist declares that he will lead the way and proclaim praises to God with his whole heart, and in so doing, he invites his fellow worshippers to do likewise. It is a powerful thing when one person breaks out in praise to God, but when an entire congregation, with one voice and one soul, begins to shout praises to the Lord, there is no telling what can happen. Add to this the fact that, when an entire assembly exclaims “Hallelujah” in unison — i.e. the word that extols the Name of Yah — it foreshadows the day when the whole world acknowledges God’s sovereignty. As it is written: “All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; they shall sing praises to Your name” (Psalm 66:4). 

That great day is coming, but today God has given us an opportunity to praise Him and say, “Hallelujah!” Let us lead the way among those in our homes and assemblies and do as we have been instructed in the Scriptures — “Sing to God, sing praises to His name; extol Him who rides on the clouds, by His name Yah, and rejoice before Him” (Psalm 68:4). Amen.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill