The Lord Most High is Awesome!

"Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth."
(Psalm 47:1,2)

"For the Lord Most High is awesome!"
Now THAT is reason to clap and shout!
THAT is a reason to celebrate!

I found some interesting information about the word clap. Its Hebrew translation is taqa' (tah-kah) meaning clatter, clang, sound, blow (trumpets) and strike. Taqa' is used often in the Bible with "strike" being the truest definition and "sound" being a strong possibility.

Okay. Here's the part that got my attention: "Taqa' describes pitching a tent or fastening a nail, probably due to the striking of the hammer used for both tasks." (Spirit-Filled Life Bible commentary).

Oh my goodness. My imagination is now going wild and, perhaps, I am taking some literary liberty here but, please consider my thoughts.

When I saw the phrase, "pitching a tent" I was immediately reminded of the "tent of meeting" - the Tabernacle in the wilderness which was the dwelling place of God. The Tabernacle was mobile, traveling throughout the wilderness with the children of God. At each new location. this holy tent had to be assembled - pitched, if you will. This was done with great anticipation because the completed assembly assured the Presence of God within their midst.

Imagine the Tabernacle workers striking the stakes that held everything together.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Each strike bringing the children of God closer to His Presence.

We know that God inhabits the praises of His people. (Psalm 22:3)
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Each resounding note of praise bringing us closer to His Presence.

Perhaps, symbolically, we are pitching the tent of meeting where God can dwell in our midst. Do you agree? Our praise is not just an emotional display; it has purpose. Our praise establishes a holy environment necessary for a Holy God's Presence.

So, clap your hands all you people! Pitch the tent where your awesome God can dwell in your midst.

For He is the great King over all the earth and worthy of our praise.

Lord, this is wonderful! The concept of taqa' makes perfect sense to me. Oh, how we love to dwell in Your Presence. Thank you, Father.