In tiny print under this Psalm, my Bible commentary explains the first verse, Praise the Lord: “Hebrew Hallelu Yah; also in verse 6.”
Praise the Lord = Hallelu Yah!
Who knew? I’m sure somebody did, but this was new revelation to me this morning.
Yah is short for Yahweh! Hallelu from the root word Halal which means to “boast, praise, celebrate, and glorify.”
That is cool, but there is more. Our “hallelujah” or “praise the lord” comes from the imperative Hebrew Hallelu Yah. That means it is a command. Remember learning about imperative sentences in 8th grade English? An imperative sentence looked like this: “Take the trash out.”
So the Hebrew phrase Hallelu Yah is not just a beautiful word. It has intent. it has direction. It is not to be taken lightly or done when we feel like it.
Something in me is stirred with joy! The richness of the language and its deep meaning gives me even more appreciation for the One who orchestrated these words . He knows what is best. Even when we can’t understand. There is so much wonderful hidden meaning and treasure in even the most common things of today. Much hidden treasure we won’t be able to see and know until we’ve reached the other side.
Until then….
Hallelu Yah!
Grace and peace,
andy
