The second psalm in the Psalter’s “Hallelujah Chorus” (Psalms 146-150) begins with a call to worship—”Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful” (Psalm 147:1). These three vivid adjectives proclaim a mouthful about worship.
- Worship is good. The Hebrew word translated here covers a broad spectrum of possible meanings. The Greeks were more specific; they had two words for “good”—one to identify something that is morally right and another to distinguish something that was beneficial in effect. Both thoughts are appropriate descriptions of the worship of Jehovah—it is good because it is the right thing to do, thus pleasing to God; it is good because it is beneficial to the worshipper.
- Worship is pleasant. The word used here denotes a flavor of sweetness or enjoyment. Those who are truly glad when encouraged to “go into the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1) are those who find worship a most delightful and delicious spiritual activity. It is they who passionately long to add their voices to the heavenly throng gathered around heaven’s throne, praising God (cf. Revelation 4, 5).
- Worship is beautiful. In a world which ever seeks to profane God and His holy name, how beautiful it must be to Jehovah’s ears to hear reverential, heartfelt praise. The beauty of holy adoration cannot be overestimated.
Do these three vivid adjectives describe you and your worship?
