Afterthought
Puritan Board Senior
There have been a couple of similar threads before, but I would like a chance to interact/ask my own questions. The psalms command the clapping of hands, shouting for joy, the lifting of hands, and bowing, etc. Are these commanded elements of worship? It would be helpful to sort these out because one trying to understand the Reformed view on worship can naturally think of these and wonder why they are not done?
For clapping of hands, it could be argued that the references are figurative, as is shouting for joy. However, how can it be known the reference is figurative? It is simply stated in the Psalms without (seemingly) any context that would definitely warrant a figurative interpretation. The same goes for shouting for joy and bowing.
For lifting of hands, I have heard some argue that it is done when swearing oaths in God's name. This is true. But there are other texts that speak of lifting one's hands with reference to prayer, both in the Psalms and in 1 Timothy. I don't recall any reference concerning lifting one's hands in connection with singing, but it is there for prayer. That it is in 1 Timothy shows this is likely not figurative (?). So in some way, it does seem to be commanded for prayer. How though? Is it for only the one vocalizing the prayers? Is it commanded for all to do in a congregation? Is it commanded for private prayer too?
Supposing these cannot be proved to be elements of worship, it might be argued these are cultural, bodily expressions of praise and so should be done while singing (or at least may be done, whether individually during public or private worship or corporately together as one action). Thoughts?
For clapping of hands, it could be argued that the references are figurative, as is shouting for joy. However, how can it be known the reference is figurative? It is simply stated in the Psalms without (seemingly) any context that would definitely warrant a figurative interpretation. The same goes for shouting for joy and bowing.
For lifting of hands, I have heard some argue that it is done when swearing oaths in God's name. This is true. But there are other texts that speak of lifting one's hands with reference to prayer, both in the Psalms and in 1 Timothy. I don't recall any reference concerning lifting one's hands in connection with singing, but it is there for prayer. That it is in 1 Timothy shows this is likely not figurative (?). So in some way, it does seem to be commanded for prayer. How though? Is it for only the one vocalizing the prayers? Is it commanded for all to do in a congregation? Is it commanded for private prayer too?
Supposing these cannot be proved to be elements of worship, it might be argued these are cultural, bodily expressions of praise and so should be done while singing (or at least may be done, whether individually during public or private worship or corporately together as one action). Thoughts?
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