Topical Encyclopedia
The phrase "Praise Him for His Excellent Greatness" is derived from
Psalm 150:2, which in the Berean Standard Bible reads: "Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him for His excellent greatness." This exhortation is part of the final psalm in the Book of Psalms, a collection of songs and prayers that hold a central place in the worship and devotional life of the Judeo-Christian tradition.
Biblical ContextPsalm 150 serves as a doxology, a short hymn of praises to God, concluding the Psalter with a call to universal praise. The psalm emphasizes the importance of praising God not only for His mighty acts but also for His inherent nature—His "excellent greatness." This dual focus on God's deeds and His character is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, encouraging believers to recognize and respond to both what God has done and who He is.
Theological SignificanceThe concept of God's "excellent greatness" underscores His supreme and unparalleled nature. In the Hebrew text, the word translated as "excellent" can also mean "abundant" or "surpassing," indicating that God's greatness is beyond human comprehension or comparison. This attribute of God is foundational to understanding His sovereignty, holiness, and majesty.
The call to praise God for His excellent greatness is not merely an invitation but a command, reflecting the belief that worship is the appropriate response to God's nature. It acknowledges that God's greatness is evident in creation, providence, and redemption, and it invites believers to join in a chorus of praise that transcends time and space.
Worship and PracticeIn Christian worship, praising God for His excellent greatness is expressed through various forms, including music, prayer, and proclamation. Hymns and songs often echo the language of the psalms, drawing believers into a shared experience of adoration and reverence. The practice of praising God is seen as both a personal and communal act, fostering a sense of unity among believers as they acknowledge God's greatness together.
The emphasis on God's excellent greatness also serves as a reminder of the humility and awe with which believers are to approach God. It encourages a posture of reverence and submission, recognizing that human understanding is limited in the face of divine majesty.
Scriptural Cross-ReferencesSeveral other passages in the Bible echo the theme of God's greatness and the call to praise Him. For instance,
Psalm 145:3 states, "Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable." Similarly,
1 Chronicles 29:11 declares, "Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth is Yours."
These passages, among others, reinforce the biblical mandate to recognize and celebrate God's greatness, encouraging believers to cultivate a lifestyle of worship that honors God for who He is and what He has done.
ConclusionWhile the entry does not include a formal conclusion, it is evident that the call to "Praise Him for His Excellent Greatness" is a profound and enduring aspect of the Christian faith, inviting believers to engage in a lifelong journey of worship and adoration.