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Originally Posted by Praxeas
It seems when used of Praise it doesn't mean to act foolishly, like a fool or a drunk who is running around in circles but audibly "raving" about how great someone is or God is
הָלַל hâlal, haw-lal´; a prim. root; to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causat. to celebrate; also to stultify:—(make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool (-ish, -ly), glory, give [light], be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, [sing, be worthy of] praise, rage, renowned, shine.
Strong, J., S.T.D., LL.D. (2009). A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
The idea of Halal or praise is directed TOWARDS the object, in this case God...running around in circles is not directed towards God. Words of praise are. Saying to or about God how great He is, is.
Look, in my church I have seen little kids running, they are laughing and looking at each other and even seem to be chasing each other...no different than they are outside on the play ground. Some might think that is worship, but there is no biblical description or command that says "if you run around in circles you are praising God"
For the most part leaping or running or other signs of physical exuberance are more forms of celebrations or releasing of pent up excitement than actual praises directed towards God.
God might be pleased and all, but I have to ask if it is really about praise why do people only run when the music is fast?
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I agree that it does not mean to act as a fool, but it certainly doesn't set a definite boundary on self-expression. You have centered on "audibly" raving". That is not the only definition. "Celebrate" can cover a lot of self-expression. "Clamorously foolish" appears to be defined in that way toward those that viewed someone like Michal. I would hope we wouldn't want to be in her camp.
We see that David "danced" in his praise. What does "dance" mean in this instance? - "to whirl". He was whirling while he was dancing. That was how he wanted to express his deep and heartfelt worship. He danced and whirled with ALL of his "might", which means that he danced/whirled with ALL of his "strength."
We can look at two children laughing and looking at each other. That doesn't mean that EVERYONE that expresses themselves, in such as way, is also behaving like the children.
I have seen sincere worship in many forms. I have seem people, who were not sincere, for whatever reason, doing the same things. Do I exclude all self-express because of this? That would be foolish.
If someone feels, as David, that whirling is directing their praise TO God - let them whirl!
I think it is unfortunate for you to say you know the heart of every person, in their worship, by saying:
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For the most part leaping or running or other signs of physical exuberance are more forms of celebrations or releasing of pent up excitement than actual praises directed towards God.
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If David danced with all of his might/strength, what would be the absolute difference in someone being excited in their leaping or running? There is no difference. Therefore, it would be disingenuous of you to label that as excitement only and emphatically label that as not toward God nor an actual praise to God.
