RAVE; "to talk wildly, as in delirium."Someone who is delirious is in "a state of violent excitement or emotion. Frenzy. A more or less temporary disorder of the mental faculties, as in intoxication, characterized by excitement..."
Paul, when he said to "be being filled with the Spirit," compared it to being intoxicated Eph. 5:18. Again, when the people saw the disciples after they were baptized in the Holy Spirit, they thought that they were intoxicated Acts 2:13-15.
RAVE: to express great [in an extreme degree] or extravagant [spending much more than is necessary; excessive; exceeding the bounds of reason; going beyond what is justifiable; unrestrained] admiration [to regard with wonder, pleasure, approval].
Halah is to be CLAMOROUS.
CLAMOROUS: "A loud and continuous sound." Focused towards the Lord in raving, this would describe Halah. Halah is to be clamorously FOOLISH. The best way to understand this characteristic of Halah is in relationship to spirituality and non-spirituality. For the things of God are foolishness to the world read I Cor. 1:18-25]. Remember when David danced before the Lord? The non-praiser, Michal, saw David leaping and whirling before the Lord and thought he was foolish to the point of despising him in her heart. (II Sam. 6:14-16, 20-23) When we Halah, rave or boast upon the Lord, are clamorously foolish before the Lord, we will be foolish in the eyes of the Non-Praiser and the Non-Christian.
The word Hallelujah comes from "Halah to Yahweh." In the Bible we have what is known as the Hallelujah Psalms. They are called this because they either start or end with Hallelujah. Usually translated as "Praise the Lord." These Hallelujah Psalms divide into three groups:
Ps 104-106- speak of God's Attributes.
Ps. 111-117- were used for the Passover Feast.
Ps. 135,145-150 -were used in the Temple Worship.
As you read these Hallelujah Psalms keep the definition, description and characteristic of Halah in mind. For the composers are raving upon the Lord. They are being clamorously foolish before the Lord.
The word halal is the most prolific word translated as praise, appearing 96 times in the Old Testament. The connotation of “boasting” to the point of looking “foolish” frames the offering of praise. One lexicon defines halal this way: “to be clear, to be brilliant…to brightness of light; to make a show; to be foolish…” Imagine a gathering that makes it clear who we worship, shining the spotlight on our God in such away that we are actually a bit “foolish” while doing it.
Do we admire our God for who he is in our worship gatherings? Do we shine the light on him or our own personal experience? Are we willing to be emboldened enough in our public worship to “make a show” that displays our foolishness? "I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters;
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you."
This verse gives us the context of praising in public. In front of everyone, this praise occurs. There is nothing hidden about what I am feeling about God when I am in a “halal” moment. I start with my family–brothers, and sisters–and then take it even further to the whole church! The word halal is not shy. What is inside is seen, as is with all acts of praise. The choice for halal calls me to offer praise both to those closest to the crowd of worshipers and to me. It invites the varying connections in my life to experience with me and join in. With halal, praise is seen!
