Origin of the Word Extol
The word ‘extol’ is derived from the Latin word ‘extollere’, which means ‘to lift up’ or ‘exalt’. It is a verb used to express great praise or admiration for someone or something. The word ‘extol’ first appears in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is used in the book of Proverbs, which is a book of wise sayings, wisdom and instruction. The book states: “Extol her [wisdom], and she shall bring thee to honour: embrace her, and she shall promote thee” (Proverbs 4:8).
The Meaning of Extol in the Bible
The meaning of extol in the Bible is to praise and glorify the Lord God Almighty. The Bible encourages us to recognize the sovereignty of the Lord and God, and to honor Him in all things. This includes honoring and extolling God’s attributes, glory, justice, mercy, omniscience and grace. God’s Word also instructs His people to give thanks and glory to him in all things, especially during times of tribulation, in order to be reminded of God’s presence and sovereign power. Therefore, when we extol the Lord, we are proclaiming His greatness and exalting Him as supreme in all of creation.
Examples of Extol in the Bible
Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of people and entities extolling the Lord. In the book of Psalms, King David extolled the Lord’s greatness, saying “…extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Yah, and rejoice before him” (Psalm 68:4). The prophet Isaiah also praised Him, saying, “Let the inhabitants of the rock [Jerusalem] sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands” (Isaiah 42:11). In the New Testament, Jesus gave commands to the disciples to extol the Lord in the Sermon on the Mount, saying “… glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Extol as an Act of Worship
Extolling the Lord is an important act of worship. It is how we can demonstrate our love and reverence for the Almighty. In the Bible, extolling God is seen as a way of honouring Him and inviting Him into our lives. It is a way of showing Him our faith and trust in His love for us, and expresses that He is the source of our joy and hope. Therefore, extolling God is seen as an integral part of our faith, and is a powerful way of testifying to His greatness and expressing our devotion to Him.
Examples in Daily Life
Extolling the Lord is not limited to religious practice. It can also be seen in our daily lives, in the way that we interact with others, and in our approach to our work. The Bible encourages us to honour God in all aspects of our lives. Therefore, extolling God can mean praising Him in our thoughts and words, showing reverence in how we interact with others, and being grateful for the blessings that we receive. In this way, we can be sure that our relationship with the Lord is one of mutual respect, trust, and love.
The Importance of Extolling
Extolling the Lord is an essential practice of faith. It is a way of demonstrating our reverence and devotion to Him. By recognizing His sovereign power, we are reminded to continually seek His guidance and strength. Furthermore, extolling the Lord is an important way of honoring Him and showing our gratitude for the blessings, guidance and protection that He provides us. Therefore, the practice of extolling the Lord is essential for developing a strong relationship with the Lord.
Conclusion
In conclusion, extolling the Lord is a way of praising and glorifying God by recognizing His sovereignty and might. The practice is seen in the Bible, where it is viewed as an act of giving thanks and demonstrating our faith and trust in the Lord. It can also be seen in our daily lives, as we seek to honor God in all things. Extolling the Lord is an essential part of our practice of faith, and is a powerful way of testifying to His greatness and expressing our devotion to Him.
