A War Cry

What does it mean to “shout joyfully” before the Lord? Our ideas usually are shaped by the English translations, as well as our own experiences. But an understanding of the Hebrew word can give us a new dimension on this proclamation.

This word primarily was used in the Bible in connection with going to war. It first was used to describe how the Israelites were to face their adversaries: “When you go to war in your land against the adversary who attacks you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets” (Numbers 10:9). It was used to describe how the Israelites were to “shout” as they marched around Jericho (Joshua 6:5), and to describe the “shout” of the Israelites as they pursued the Philistines after David killed Goliath (1 Samuel 17:52).

This word is not associated with anything quiet or passive. In fact, it indicated a sound so loud that it would split the ears. It meant making a loud noise before an army went into battle and before it engaged an enemy.

In Psalms, we may think of shouting joyfully as being similar to a polite worship service. But, in fact, the Bible describes something more like a battle cry. It should have the same kind of intensity associated with going to war. It means praising God with the kind of boisterous confidence the Israelites had as they marched around Jericho.

This also brings new meaning to shouting “with trumpets and the sound of the horn.”

Today, put these instructions from the Bible into practice in your life. Shout joyfully to the Lord. As you go into the battles of life, be confident and bold. God is on your side, and the victory already is won.