Introduction

I Samuel 4:5-8a describes the reaction of the Israelites and the Philistines as the “Ark of God” was carried into the camp.

And it happened as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, that all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth resounded. And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, “What does the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews mean?” Then they understood that the ark of the Lord had come into the camp. And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, “God has come into the camp.” And they said, “Woe to us! For nothing like this has happened before. Woe to us! Who shall deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods?” – I Samuel 4:5-8a (NASB)

As the Ark of the Covenant, which in part symbolized the manifested presence of God, was restored into the camp, an extravagant response came forth. All Israel shouted with a great shout. This violent reaction created a stir amongst the enemy. Fear fell upon the Philistines as they acknowledged that God was in their midst.

So in our day, as the manifested presence of God is restored to the church, unusual reactions and responses are coming forth. Extravagant praise, militant intercession, warring with the gift of tongues, groaning, travail, shouting, and even laughter. Psalms 47:5a declares that, God has gone up with a shout. Psalms 89:15a (nkj) states, How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! We are living in a day when the intercessory sounds of deliverance are coming forth.

Prophetically, I say, “The sounds of deliverance are just beginning. This new surge of the Spirit will grow mightily and the sound of war will be heard in the church again.” In other words, “Hold on to your seat; you ain’t heard nothing yet!”

THE HIGH PRAISES OF GOD

  1. The Entrance into His Presence

    1. Ps. 100:4 (nasb) tells us – Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name.
    2. As you enter into praise, meditate on the provision the Lord has made for you through the blood of Jesus. (Heb. 10:19; 12:24 NASB)
  2. Praise God for Who He Is!
    1. The source of praise is the Holy Spirit activating your spirit/soul to express approval and adoration of God’s greatness.
      1. Ps. 51:15 (NASB) – O Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Thy praise.
      2. Ps. 119:164 (NASB) – Seven times a day I praise Thee, because of Thy righteous ordinances.
    2. As you begin to praise the Lord, your spirit and soul will rise up to higher levels of exuberance and joy. You will become enlightened with a revelation of WHO HE IS! You will then find faith rising up within, declaring, “Nothing is too difficult for Thee (God).” Jer. 32:17b (NASB)
  3. Thank Him for What He Has Done (and what He will continue to do)
    1. Thanksgiving awakens your love toward God, as you acknowledge that you are His child.
    2. Thank Him that He gives every good and perfect gift to you  (James. 1:17).
    3. Respond with joy to Him for His benefits and ways.
      1. Prov. 3:6 (NASB) – In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
      2. Ps. 116:12,17 (NASB) – What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? To Thee I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving.
  4. Seven Hebrew Words
    1. Towdah – Sacrifice of thanksgiving or praise; to render thanksgiving or praise. See Ps. 42:4; 100:4.
    2. Yadah – To throw, thrust, or cast away from; hands outward; to throw hands into the air. See Ps. 67:3; 107:8,15,21,31.
    3. Barak – To bless, to give thanks and praise to God because He has given out of His abundance; to bless as an act of adoration, to kneel. See Ps. 31:21; 63:4; 95:6.
    4. Halal – To make a show or boast, to be clamorously foolish, to go about in a raging or raving way, to dance, to celebrate. See Ps. 56:4; 150:1-2.
    5. Zamar – To celebrate with instruments, to praise the Lord skillfully on an instrument, to touch strings with the fingers. See Ps. 21:13; 33:2; 98:4.
    6. Tehillah – Imperative summons to praise Jehovah. A psalm or a hymn, by choirs, with dancing and expressive speaking; festal jubilation. See Ps. 22:3,25; 33:1; 35:28.
    7. Shabach – To praise, comment, soothe, still; adoration towards the power, glory, and sanctity of the Lord; to praise God for His mighty acts and deeds; to triumph in a loud voice. See Ps. 64:3-4; 117:1; 147:12.
  5. Examples of Bodily Expression through Praise
    1. When you clap your hands and stomp your feet, you portray your excitement (2 Kings. 11:12; Ps. 98:8; Is, 55:12; Lam. 2:15; Ezek. 6:11).
    2. When you stand up, march, or walk, you portray readiness to serve or to go (Gen. 13:17; Deut. 11:22-25; Josh. 1:15; Ps. 68:7-8).
    3. When you lift your hands, you are worshipping and surrendering to God (Ex. 17:8-16; 1 Kings. 8:22-24; Ps. 28:2; 63:3-4; 134:2; 141:2; Luke 24:50-51; 1 Tim. 2:8; Heb. 12:12).
    4. When you dance, you express great joy (1 Sam. 18:6-7; Ps. 30:11; 149:3; Jer. 31:13; Luke 15:11-24).
    5. When you sing, you express gladness of heart (Ps. 68:25; 100:2; 108:1; Prov. 29:6; Isa. 26:19; 65:13-14; Jer. 31:7; Zech. 2:10; 1 Cor. 14:15; Jas. 5:13; Rev. 15:3).
    6. When you play skillfully on an instrument, you show forth adoration (1 Sam. 16:23; 18:67; 1 Chron. 5:13-14; 34:12; Ps. 33:3).
    7. When you fall prostrate (fall down flat in homage to royalty or to God), you portray deep emotion and total surrender to God (Ps. 72:11; Isa. 45:14).
    8. When you kneel, you are portraying humility and dependence upon God (2 Chron. 6:13; Matt. 17:14; Mark 1:40). Kneeling is asking for mercy (Luke 22:41; Acts 9:40; 21:5).
    9. When you sit down or keep silent, you show forth rest and trust in God (Ex. 14:14; Josh. 6:10; Job 2:13; Prov. 13:3; 17:27; Amos 5:13; Matt. 8:4; 12:16; 27:14; Luke 23:9; John 8:6).
  6. What Does Extravagant Praise Do?
    1. It blesses the Lord (Ps. 66:8; Luke 24:52-53).2. It brings you into His presence and draws you closer to Him. (Ps. 100:4).
    2. It opens doors and makes rough places smooth (Isa. 60:18; Acts 16:25-26).
    3. It defeats the devil (Ps. 149:5-9; 2 Kings. 11:13-14).
    4. It brings revival (2 Chron. 31:2; 34:12; Ps. 107:32).
    5. It keeps you happy and gives you joy (Isa. 61:1-3; Acts 2:45-47).

Blessings to You!

James W. Goll

This outline is part of the “Compassionate Prophetic Intercessor” study guide which is available in our bookstore.