Psalm 47:1
O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
…Shout out to God in celebration!
…Shout to God with cries of joy!
…Shout to God with joyful praise!
…Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
…Shout to God with a voice of singing!
This passage makes us understand there is a distinct voice with which we should shout unto God. A clear definition of this type of voice means there’s at least one other type of shout. Here’s what Ezra says:
But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away. Ezra 3:12-13
Often times, we go through situations that tend to stop, pause or dilute our praise. The last time you shouted, was it a clear-cut sound? Was it a sound of weeping or rejoicing? Anything in between wouldn’t do because Jesus said:
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! Revelation 3:15
The passage also says the sound was heard far away, meaning people who were not in close proximity knew quite well there was a shout taking place on the other end. Just as heaven takes notice of your shout, hell does likewise.
We are admonished to shout with a joyful praise which also is interpreted a voice of triumph. This somewhat implies that the type of sound you release is indicative of your status or position.
Was it a sound of weeping or rejoicing that brought down the wall of Jericho? Selah!
Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 1 Corinthians 14:8
Your sound or voice shows your position – whether you are a winner or loser, so release the proper sound. In closing, let’s look at some scripture that emphasize the importance of your sound (shout):
| The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud. 2 Chronicles 5:13 | Yet in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are deserted, inhabited by neither people nor animals, there will be heard once more; the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the LORD, saying, “Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good; his love endures forever.” For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before,’ says the LORD. Jeremiah 33:10b-11 |
| But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’” Jonah 2:9 | Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous. Psalm 118:15a |
| The people the Lord has rescued will come back singing as they enter Zion. Happiness will be a crown they will always wear. They will celebrate and shout because all sorrows and worries will be gone far away. Isaiah 35:10 -11 | For you will go out [from exile] with joy, and be led forth [by the LORD Himself] with peace; the mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12 |
| My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts. Isaiah 65:14a | From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honour, and they will not be disdained. Jeremiah 30:19 |