What does it mean, exactly? Blessed be the Name of the Lord? We have several versions of the Bible, which translate “blessed” to “praise.” They are not altogether incorrect. In Job 1: 21, the word blessed is Barak (Heb), one of about five words we have translated to “blessed.”
Barak’s definition is “to kneel”, and this, of course, would express praise. But it also expresses trust. Honour. Faith. Admiration.
Strong’s Concordance reads like this: to kneel, by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration) and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit). We know from verse 20 that this is, indeed, what Job did. He fell on his face (kneeled) before God.
Let’s look at this verse a little more closely. The Scriptures say that Job declared the Name of the LORD should be blessed. A look further into Hebrew scripture defines Job’s words as I will kneel before the individuality – that which sets one apart as a memorial -of Jehovah, the one true God.
blessed be the Name of the lord lyrics
1. Blessed be the name of the Lord
So we lift up holy hands in one accord
Singing blessed be the name
Blessed be the name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
He is worthy to be praised and adored
So we lift up holy hands in one accord
Singing blessed be the name
Blessed be the name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
He is worthy to be praised and adored
So we lift up holy hands in one accord
Singing blessed be the name
Blessed be the name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
The Song
In 2002, singer/songwriter matt redman released an album titled where angels fear to tread (Worship Together). Its second track, blessed be the lord’s Name, quickly became a favourite both on the airwaves and in worship services. Through the power of song, Redman lyrically retells the story of Job, of his treasures, of his losses, and of his unwavering faith, trust, and adoration of God.
As we sing this song, we are reminded of our need (yes, I wrote “need”) of falling at the feet of God whether days be filled with God’s provisions of much or little. Even in our modern times, when our stock market is falling (much as Job’s stock market was taken away), we are to fall at the feet of the One who gives and take away.
Personal Application
Some people say it is easier to worship God in times of plenty, harder to worship in times of want. Not always, I say. When “God is in his heaven and all is right with the world” – there are those who skip about the path of life forgetting to say “thank you.” These are the ones who – when dark clouds gather – run to God and fall facedown.
The point of the story of Job – and the song of Redman – is that we are to praise him, to kneel before him in all adoration and trust, no matter the season of life.
Where do you fit in the equation? In plenty or when the entire world has fallen around you, do you kneel before God and praise?
1 Thessalonians 1:18 says: give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
What circumstances are you experiencing right now? Provision? Losing it all? Are you living between a rock and a hard place or The Rock and a hard place? Where are you, right now?
Will you kneel? Will you sing, “Blessed be the name of the Lord?” I challenge you, that as you next sing this modern hymn, you call to mind all that you are going through and that you choose to bless God anyway.
Then watch as – according to the meaning of the Hebrew word – God blesses you, too.