I am deeply fascinated by the Hebrew language! It’s a language that is rich with layers of meaning, cultural depth, and connections to ancient traditions. One can study Hebrew words and meanings for hours. For example, the Hebrew word “yadah,” found in the Bible, is a term that means to praise, give thanks, or confess, usually directed towards God. Yet, it’s derived from the root word, “yad,” meaning “hand." How do two words talking about praise and hands, relate?
A Little Background
In the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, the Israelites frequently expressed gratitude and praise through physical gestures, such as raising their hands or bowing as acts of reverence and submission to God. Yadah, or praise, conveyed the idea of extending or lifting one’s hands in worship or thanksgiving to God; therefore, the practice of “yadah” was deeply woven into the religious and social fabric of Israel. How beautiful to envision a community of believers praising and honoring the Lord together in physical gestures like that.
Expressions of Praise, Then
There’s a powerful story in the Bible about God defending Israel, based on the positioning of Moses arms and hands. In Exodus 17:9-13, Moses instructed Joshua to gather men to fight against Amalek, and said, Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand. Joshua obeyed, and as the battle raged, Moses stood on the hilltop with Aaron and Hur. When Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed, but when he lowered them, Amalek gained the upper hand. To support Moses, Aaron and Hur placed a stone for him to sit on and held up his hands—one on each side—until sunset. With Moses’ hands steady, Joshua and the Israelites overwhelmed Amalek and his people.
With hands raised, the Lord fought their battle. Let that serve as a reminder to us, that the Lord fights our battles; we need only to trust Him and give Him the glory He so richly deserves.
Expressions of Praise, Now
Today, raising hands during a time of worship in church signifies praise. For many, it’s how they demonstrate their adoration, surrender, and dependence on God, and also reflects their vulnerability and openness to the Holy Spirit working in their hearts. Have you ever watched someone in church who was so deeply immersed in praising the Lord that they no longer cared who was watching? It’s a rare thing to witness that kind of worship in many churches today — when someone allows their physical expression of worship to flow freely. It's as if they’re saying to the Heavenly Father, “I surrender it all to You. I honor and worship You - no matter who's watching.”
Like Moses, some people are fighting very serious and personal battles, and yet they can still lift up holy hands in praise, and God responds. It makes me think about how a child lifts up their hands to be held by their parent. We too, as God’s children, have a dependence like that on our Heavenly Father.
Eternal Praise
Psalm 134:2 says: Lift up your hands to the sanctuary and bless the Lord. What would that look like at church if we all lifted up our hands in “yadah,” in praise, to God?! People today seem to have no problem raising their hands to celebrate a touchdown at a football game — why not at church? Imagine if we cultivated a legacy of praise that reflected that of the culture of early Israel — if we, as a community of believers, lifted our hands in praise to the Lord.
Our time on earth is but a dress rehearsal for eternity. The Book of Revelation describes a time at the end of the age when all of God’s people will join in eternal praise to Him. All His children, His servants, from every tribe, tongue and nation, will worship Him in perfect unity. Shouldn’t this become our practice today before we get there? So, let us lift up our hands and voices now, preparing our hearts for that glorious day.
In His Love,
Amy
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