Good morning. I have with some frequency commented that the most repeated command in scripture is “Do not fear.” I would like to share a thought today that directs our thoughts to another command. This command may not be as frequently stated as Do not fear, but honestly, I haven’t counted. This other command is not gently spoken, and is more frequently shouted, and is a simple, one word actually, command that is directed to us in both the Old and the New Testaments. The word in the Greek language is the same, being transliterated directly from the Old Testament. The word of command is Hallelujah! The exclamation mark is added, but it is either present or implied when we read Hallelujah!
Hallelujah is the command that literally translated means “Praise Yahweh!” It is never given as a suggestion. It is not spoken to say, “Praise God when you feel like it.” It is a command, and as the exclamation mark indicates, it is directed to us in a shout!
We read this command frequently in the Old Testament, especially in the Psalms but also in the words of prophets. In the New Testament the command “Hallelujah!” mainly appears in the Book of Revelation as the angels engage in constant worship around the throne of God.
After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: “Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
for true and just are his judgments.
He has condemned the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth by her adulteries.
He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
And again they shouted: “Hallelujah!
The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.”
The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried:
“Amen, Hallelujah!”
Then a voice came from the throne, saying:
“Praise our God,
all you his servants,
you who fear him,
both great and small!”
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
“Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready. Revelation 19:1-7
Hallelujah! Praise Yahweh, Praise God Almighty, for He is worthy of our worship and our praise!
Praise Him well today!
Vern