PRAISE

Praise, in the highest sense of the term, is a feeling toward, and/or outward expression of, devotion to deity. It acknowledges thanksgiving for Heaven's glorious creation, beneficent providence, and redemptive mercy (cf. Ex. 15:1-19; Rev. 4:8, 11; 5:9, 12-13). Deity, because of his very nature, is worthy to be praised (Psa. 18:3). Praise to God may be public or private (Psa. 96:3). In the O.T. era, God was praised in various forms, e.g., with musical instruments, in dance (Psa. 150:3-4), in song (66:1-2), and with burnt offerings (66:13-15). But under the N.T. regime, there is no authority for either the instruments, the dance, or burnt offerings. One may praise God in prayer or in song, but the carnal trappings of the Mosaic economy are now obsolete (Col. 2:14ff; Heb. 9:1-10).