It’s interesting how the secular world has picked up on the Biblical term “Hallelujah.” It’s not uncommon to hear it in songs, articles, TV programs, and verbiage on the street. I think the forerunner was the word “amen.” That has been the common expression or response of church folks when hearing something in the sermon to which they heartily agreed. Amen means “true;” i.e. that which lines up with reality. It’s answering a statement of agreement with “right on,” or “that’s right!” But like many other things, what was once unique to the church scene, has increasingly become commonplace. Even the term “born-again” is widely used, not referring to conversion to Christ, but the reformation or new-start in one’s life or business. Folks are ignorant of what these Biblical expressions mean; thus, they have been decimated and misapplied, with the true meaning being all but lost.
Hallelujah, like the word “awesome” is overworked; but it poses an opportunity to explain its right meaning. In the Bible, Psalm 146:1 opens with, “Praise ye the LORD,” which is the Hebrew word “HALLELUJAH;” notice that it is translated in English, not by one word, but four.
Breaking it down, the word “hallel” means to “boast” or “brag;” both actions are commanded and totally appropriate when directed toward the God of the universe. Unfortunately, this has been misdirected and applied to sinful man. The “Jah” in hallelujah is the abbreviation of Jehovah or “the LORD.” (Yaweh---meaning “I AM WHO I AM;” cf. Exodus 3:14)
Sandwiched between “HALLEL” (Praise) and “JAH” (Jehovah) is “U” –translated “Ye” (You). Who are these people? They are those who have placed their trust (faith) in the LORD, who gave His Son Jesus Christ to die on the Cross for sinners; these are those who have been savingly joined to the LORD, and now are characterized by a life of Praise and Thanksgiving.
Since HALLELUJAH is one word, we cannot separate Jehovah from Praise—they are inseparable. In the same way, the “U” (Ye—the believers), being in the middle, are inseparately connected to both HALLEL (“Praise”) and JAH (“Jehovah”)! What a fabulous position to be in!
That’s why David the Psalmist exclaims, “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: Which made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that therein is…Who executeth judgment (justice) for the oppressed: Who giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners.” (Psalm 146:5-7)
The One who made us, knows what we need to be complete and satisfied. He placed within us a “God-shaped” vacuum, which He alone can fill. This is why true happiness and fulfillment cannot be found in man, money, or the world system. “It’s appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment.” The creation is dying, but the Creator is the Author and Sustainer of Life. (John 3:16).
To believe on Jesus Christ is to be snatched from the clutches of Satan, sin and death, and placed into God’s eternal family. Indeed, it means to be “translated” (transplanted) from the Devil’s domain into the Kingdom of God
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