Worship, (properly some form of שָׁחָה, especially in Hithpael; λατρεία)., homage paid to a superior, especially to God (which we consider only), usually expressed by prayer, sacrifice, and ritual. See each term in its place; also SEE ADORATION.
I. General View. — The homage of the progenitors of our race was the direct and simple effusion of gratitude (see Schroder, De Prima Cultus Divini Publici Institutione, Marburg, 1745). There can be no doubt that the Most High, whose essence no man hath seen, or can see, was pleased to manifest himself in Eden, by an external symbol, to the eyes of his innocent worshippers. This divine manifestation is called the presence of the Lord; and may have been in connection with the tree of life in the midst of the garden (Genesis 2:9; 3:8).
After the first transgression the mode of the divine manifestation was altered; and a mediatorial economy was established. Henceforth, the homage paid by man was the service of a. creature conscious of crime, approaching God through the medium of sacrifice, pleading for forgiveness, and confiding in mercy. Though the divine manifestation was no longer immediate, yet a visible symbol of Jehovah was still vouchsafed in the Shekinah or visible glory, from which Cain was exiled (Genesis 4:16; comp. 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Psalms 96:8); which was seen by Abraham (Acts 7:2); by Moses and the people (Exodus 3:2-6; 13:21-22; 24:16,18; Numbers 14:10; 16:19,42); by the high-priest (Exodus 25:22; Leviticus 16:2); by Solomon in the temple (1 Kings 8:10-12); and finally in “the WORD made flesh” (John 1:14). ‘’
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Author: McClintock and Strong Cyclopedia
Keywords: Worship
Source: John McClintock and James Strong, Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature.
Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.