"Let the 'high praises' of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands." (Ps. 149:6) This is evidently the only reference to "high" praise in all of scripture. Let's look at some possible meanings:
1. In many churches, the level of praise in worship is not very high at all. Half of the folks are not participating and the ones that are participating are somewhere about floor level. Most of us have experienced those times when praise begins to ascend, and our hearts are lifted in praise and thanksgiving to God to a high level of passion or intensity. I believe there are levels of praise and "high" praise is first of all a reference to an intense, passionate level of praise.
2. We must remember that we are not the only ones involved in the praise and worship unto the Lord. Right now, around the throne in the heavenlies, cherubim and seraphim and angels and creatures and all the saints of the ages are lifting their voices to sing to the holiness of our Lord, God. I believe it is possible for us, here below, to participate now in that "high praise". We join a great cloud of witnesses and all of creation in "high praise" of the Father!
3. There is a type of praise that ascends into the spiritual realm and wars on our behalf. We all recognize that spiritual forces of wickedness inhabit the spiritual realm. (See Daniel 10). The Word makes it clear that evil hovers over nations, cities, households, and even individuals. Spiritual warfare can be waged. In the example of Daniel, he prayed through to victory. But the Lord has given us another great tool for engaging in warfare: high praise!
Psalm 149 also links this "high praise" with the "two-edged sword", or the word of God. There is a wonderful relationship between the singing of God's praise and the preaching of the Word. When you have great praise coupled with a fresh word from God, you have an unbeatable combination. Churches moving in these two dimensions of ministry are victorious, growing, and will not be stopped. Our Pastor and other Bible teachers in our church are faithful in teaching and preaching the Word, may we also be faithful in passionate, intense praise! mjm
A Melody from Michael J. . . . a Personal and Worship Blog
