Scripture Reading: Psalms 118:19-29

Getting to Know Some Bible Words

Intro.

1. The Bible is an understandable book (Eph. 3:3-4; 2 Tim. 3:16).

2. Still, Bible contains some words we don’t commonly use (although common in Bible times). We sing some of these words in songs, too.

3. We should learn what they mean, not just pass over them, so our worship is true & our understanding proper.

I. HALLELUJAH (Alleluia).

A. Definition: (“Praise ye Jehovah”).

1. Hebrew origin; from two Hebrew words (from Greek, hallelouia): halal - “to be clear; to shine; make a show, boast, to celebrate” + Yahh (yaw) – “the sacred name” (Strong’s).

2.Hence, “to celebrate Jehovah.”

3. An adoring exclamation – Rev. 19:1-6.

B.Why Jehovah Should be Praised – Psa. 135 (all His people praise Him, 135:19-21).

1. His nature – 135:1-5.

a. 135:1 – His name (Sovereignty) – Rom. 11:36.

b. 135:3 – Good (Holy, righteous) – Psa. 99:3 (kind)

c. 135:5 – Great (Majes­ty) – Psa. 145:3.

2. His works – 135:6-14.

a. 135:6-7 – Nature (Matt. 5:45).

b. 135:8-9 – Deliverance from bondage.

c. 135:10-12 – Gave Promised Land to Israel (keeps His word).

d. 135:13-14 – Power, justice, mercy (Rev. 19:1-2 – nature & works).

3. He is the true God – 135:15-18.

C.Give Thanks to Jehovah! – Psa. 106:1; Rev. 19:5 (Psa. 148)

II. HOSANNA - Matt. 21:6-11.

A. Definition: (“Save, we pray”) Heb. orig.

1. “The word seems to have become an utterance of praise rather than of prayer, though originally, probably, a cry for help.” (Vine, 312)

2. cf. at Feasts: Recite Psa. 113-118 & wave palm/willow branches. The boughs were called “hosannas.”

B. A Cry for Help – Matt. 21:9; Psa. 118:21-26.

1. 118:21-24 – Our salvation is “the Stone.”

a. Acts 4:11-12 – Jesus!

b. Day of salvation made by God!

2. 118:25-26 – Save now! Prosperity! … Jesus Christ! Matt. 21:9 (Son of Da­vid)

C.Utterance of Praise – Matt. 21:5, 9; Zech. 9:9.

-Rejoice in the source & presence of salvation -- Praise the King!

III. SABAOTH – Rom. 9:29; Jas. 5:4.

A. Definition: (“Armies, hosts”).

1. Heb. origin (tsebaah, “tseb-aw-aw”) meaning “a mass” reg. organized for war (an army). (Transliteration of Hebrew word.)

2. “To wage war, fight, go forth to war”

3. Hebrew word is rendered with “Almighty” – cf. Rev. 4:8.

4. A military description of God.

B.The Lord of Sabaoth is Sovereign (Possessor of heaven & earth, Isa. 6:3-5; Gen. 14:19, 22).

-Let the peoples praise & fear Him! – Psa. 99:1-2

C. The Lord of Sabaoth Will Save.

1. Strength & salvation in His hand – Isa. 31:4-5 (2 Kgs. 19:15-19, 35).

2. Honor the power of Christ! (Matt. 28:18; Col. 3:17)

3. Victory in the Lord of hosts! Rev. 17:14 (19:11-21)

IV. MARAN-ATHA – 1 Cor. 16:22.

A. Definition: (“O Lord, come”).

1. Gk. spelling for 2 Aramaic words: maran, “Lord,” & atha, “cometh,” or “has come”.

2. 16:22 – Statement: “Our Lord has come”.

3. Also embodies the consummation of the Christian’s desire.

B. The Lord Jesus Has Come – 1 Cor. 16:22.

1. He brought salvation (Matt. 1:21).

2. To not love Him brings God’s curse!

C.The Lord Jesus Will Come.

1. The Lord is at hand: “Our Lord is coming, and he will judge those who have set him at nought.” – Phil. 4:5; Jas. 5:8-9 (1 Pet. 4:5)

2. To punish the evil & to reward the righteous – 2 Ths. 1:8-10.

Conclusion

When we read & sing these words – Be enriched by your understanding of them.