Praise in the Bible is a fundamental aspect of worship and devotion to God, characterized by expressions of reverence, gratitude, and adoration. It is both a personal and communal act, often involving music, song, and prayer. The Hebrew word for praise, "halal," is the root of "hallelujah," meaning "praise the Lord." In the New Testament, the Greek word "aineo" is commonly used.

Old Testament Context

Praise is a central theme in the Psalms, which serve as a hymnal for the people of Israel. Psalm 150:6 declares, "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Hallelujah!" This verse encapsulates the universal call to praise God. The Psalms frequently highlight God's attributes, such as His holiness, power, and mercy, as reasons for praise (Psalm 103:1-5).

In the historical books, praise is often associated with significant events. For example, after crossing the Red Sea, Moses and the Israelites sang a song of praise to God for their deliverance (Exodus 15:1-21). Similarly, King David appointed Levites to minister before the Ark of the Covenant, praising God with instruments and song (1 Chronicles 16:4-36).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, praise continues to be a vital expression of faith. The early church is depicted as a community devoted to praising God. Acts 2:46-47 describes the believers as "continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people."

The apostle Paul frequently exhorts believers to live lives characterized by praise. In Ephesians 5:19-20 , he instructs, "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Theological Significance

Praise is not merely an emotional response but a theological affirmation of God's sovereignty and goodness. It is an acknowledgment of His rightful place as Creator and Sustainer. Praise is also transformative, drawing believers closer to God and aligning their hearts with His will. It serves as a powerful testimony to others, reflecting the joy and hope found in a relationship with God.

Resistance

Resistance in the biblical context often refers to opposition against God's will, His people, or His purposes. It can manifest in various forms, from spiritual warfare to societal opposition against the principles of the faith.

Old Testament Context

Resistance to God's will is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. The Israelites frequently resisted God's commands, leading to periods of judgment and exile. For instance, in Numbers 14:9 , Joshua and Caleb urge the people not to rebel against the Lord, saying, "Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be our bread. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!"

Prophets like Jeremiah faced resistance from their own people when delivering God's messages. Jeremiah 18:18 records the people's plot against him: "Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah; surely the law will not be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor the word to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, resistance is often seen in the form of persecution against the early church. Jesus warned His disciples of the opposition they would face, saying in John 15:18-19 , "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world."

The apostles experienced resistance from religious and political authorities. In Acts 4:18-20 , Peter and John are commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus, to which they respond, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than God, you be the judges. For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."

Theological Significance

Resistance against God and His purposes is ultimately futile, as God's sovereignty prevails. However, believers are called to stand firm in the face of opposition, relying on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. Ephesians 6:12 reminds Christians that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Resistance also serves to refine and strengthen the faith of believers, as they learn to trust in God's promises and power. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."