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What Is Selah


An ancient Hebrew musical term

Not much is known about the actual meaning or usage of this term found 74 times in the Old Testament. The word Selah occurs at the end of many of the stanzas within the psalms. Scholars agree it is a musical term, but little is known as to its precise meaning.

There are some who say Selah comes from the word salal, which means “to lift up.” If this is correct, Selah may be an instruction to either raise the voice or to increase the instrumental volume during a musical interlude. Some suggest Selah marks an affirmation of what has just been sung – much like we say Amen at the end of our prayers.

Our praise-worship of God should be filled with many Selahs – the raising of our voices, the accentuation of what we sing from our hearts. We want to worship Him with enthusiasm, with fervor, He is worthy of our praise! If you have ever sung in a church choir, or stood before a church congregation you may recall observing all the sad, seemingly distracted faces of those sitting in the pews. For sure there are some who feel the joy of the Lord, smile and respond to the preached Word and the music, but too many look as though they are at a funeral. Why? Now, I know we may have a lot on our minds. Many of us have some real serious problems; health problems, family problems, problems at work, etc. but coming to church puts us into the best place to seek solutions to our problems. Doesn’t it? Of course it does!

God knows all our problems – He knows! So many times in His Word He tells us He will protect us and that He will never, ever leave us! Jesus said, “O, you of little faith!” In Him we find hope, cures, and answers to these problems that drag us down. So, don’t be sad, instead rejoice! Lift up your voice in worship…help is on the way! Selah! Selah!

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