Day 229: Psalms 105-106; Romans 15:1-21

HALLELUJAH!

The group of Psalms that begins with: "Bless the LORD, all my inmost being! Bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, all my inmost being and forget not all His benefits/kindnesses!" (Psalm 103:1-2); ends with a singular: "Hallelujah!" (Psalm 106:48). Of course, Psalms 104 and 105 end with the same heart-felt exclamation and Psalm 106 even begins that way. Though you already know this, think on this marvelous word of exaltation again. Hallelujah (Alleluia) is a compound word consisting of 'Hallel' (Praise) and 'Yahweh' (I AM - you know much about the depth of this word) which is contracted to 'Yah'. Sometimes I wonder if those deeply, exuberantly worshiping people, who out of deep reverence and obedience to the commandment not to take God's Name in vain, could not speak 'Yahweh,' loved 'Hallelujah' because it gave them a place to say the Name they loved. Every reference to Yahweh in the Old Testament was replaced by 'The Name' (still today in Jewish worship and reference). But, to say 'Hallelujah!' that must have been freeing. Consider all Yahweh is, and all Yahweh has done, and one cannot help but praise Him! And, now add the grace of God in our Lord Jesus Christ and the magnanimous Gift of the Holy Spirit, and 'Hallelujah' in reverence and awe should be frequently on our lips...the fruit of overflowing hearts of praise. Pause today. Ponder our Great I AM. Join the mighty chorus: "HALLELUJAH!"