© Ruth Bancewicz
Are the Bible passages about trees and rivers that clap their hands, and mountains that burst into song simply metaphors about how creation inspires people to praise God, or does the non-human creation actually worship God in some unconscious way? This is the question that Mark Harris, lecturer in Science and Religion at Edinburgh University, asked in his seminar at the Faraday Institute earlier this year.
Verse 12 of Isaiah 55 is a good example of these natural praise texts. “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” The writer of Psalm 19 was more cautious, saying that although “there is no speech”, the heavens still “declare the glory of God”.
Many of these passages are either songs or invitations to praise God. They might also be pointing to some great work God will do in the future or a testimony of what he has done in the past. No explanation of these metaphors is given in the Bible itself, so those us who are of a more analytical mindset are left to wonder what they actually mean.
© Ruth Bancewicz
Harris has found four main ways in which ‘natural praise’ can be interpreted. First, is as a metaphor for human praise, because the texts use human actions such as clapping or singing.
Second, these verses might reflect a prescientific belief that the world is permeated with spirits. Harris quickly dismissed this as an unrealistic interpretation of the worldview of the biblical writers, but highlighted the more nuanced view that there is some hidden relationship between creation and God that is revealed when God speaks through a storm or a burning bush.
The next interpretation has been put forward by Richard Bauckham: that creation praises God by simply being itself. This view seems to resonate best with most ordinary Christians, but what does it mean? Are we included in the equation too? Does everything we do count as praise, whether our actions are ethical or not?
Finally, there is the idea that nature will praise God in the end. There is suffering in the world, but it will not last forever. The praise of both the human and non-human creation is looking forward to that day.
© Ruth Bancewicz
Harris himself is undecided about what exactly creation is doing when it praises God. His scientific side (he has a PhD in earth sciences) leads him to ask questions that are unanswerable by theology alone. He is aware of the need to think about whether praise issomething creation does in God orsomething God does in creation.
Harris is certain, however, that there is a relationship between creature and creator. We need to acknowledge creation’s groaning as well as praise, and avoid behaving as if everything revolves around ourselves. God clearly has a relationship with the natural world that is independent of humans. The great theologian Karl Barth summed this up beautifully when he wrote, “when man accepts again his destiny in Jesus Christ…he is only like a late-comer slipping shamefacedly into creation’s choir in heaven and earth, which has never ceased its praise”.
FAQs
First, is as a metaphor for human praise, because the texts use human actions such as clapping or singing. Second, these verses might reflect a prescientific belief that the world is permeated with spirits.
What does the Bible say about clapping your hands? ›
Pss. 47. [1] O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. [2] For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
What does the rivers clap their hands mean? ›
Today's psalm also illustrates the goodness and joy and lack of fear surrounding the Day of the LORD and God's judgment. The passage paints an image of the earth rejoicing: rivers clapping and mountains singing for joy. The earth celebrates is because of both judgment and redemption.
Where in the Bible does it say the trees will clap their hands? ›
Isaiah 55:12 King James Version (KJV)
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
What does the Bible say about the trees praising God? ›
Psalms 96:11-12 The Passion Translation (TPT)
Let the earth join in the chorus. Let oceans thunder and fields echo this ecstatic praise until every swaying tree of every forest joins in, lifting up their songs of joyous praise to him!
What is the meaning of clapping hands? ›
a demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together. synonyms: applause, clapping. types: hand. a round of applause to signify approval.
What does hand clapping symbolize? ›
Clapping can be a sign of approval, a show of enthusiasm, an attention-getter, or it can be used to intimidate. The rhythm and tempo of applause makes a difference. Clapping seems to be a universal body language signal.
What is the significance of clapping hands? ›
Several studies show that clapping practice improves heart health to a huge extent by regulating blood pressure levels. As an individual claps, the palms get warm, boosting blood circulation in the entire body. This reduces the incidence of numerous cardiac anomalies and even wards off breathing troubles.
What does clap your hands to mean? ›
to clap your hands repeatedly to show that you like or admire someone or have enjoyed a performance: The audience clapped and cheered when she stood up to speak. We all clapped his performance enthusiastically.
What is the clapping of hands in worship? ›
Thus, though acceptable by worldly standards, applause during worship is neither biblically appropriate nor approved by church pioneers. There is no evidence that clapping was a part of worship. For the Old Testament, clapping was social and cultural, not a religious practice.
It is Psalm 41:1: “O clap your hands, all peoples; Shout to God with the voice of joy.” This text is brought forward as proof for clapping in worship.
Where did clapping your hands come from? ›
Clapping was formalised, in Western culture at least, in the theatre. During the Roman Empire when theatre and politics merged, one of the chief methods politicians used to evaluate their standing with the people was by gauging the greetings they got when they entered the arena.
What Psalm talks about clapping hands? ›
Psalms 47:1 King James Version (KJV)
O clap your hands, all ye people; Shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
Do animals praise God? ›
The final verse of the final psalm of the entire psalter reads: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” (Ps. 150:6). Even though they don't do so with words, animals still bring glory and praise to God.
Why do we clap our hands in prayer? ›
Why do some clap their hands (applaud) during the worship of the church? Some clap when they agree with a point the preacher has made. Some applaud when he finishes his sermon. This is to show their approval of it.
What is the symbolic meaning of the poem the tree? ›
The poet uses trees as a metaphor for human beings. The human beings feel suffocated and sad under the oppression and dependence. They yearn for their freedom and independence. They rebel against the oppression, slavery and exploitation to be free and be on their own.
What does the poem trees talk about? ›
The poem The Trees' is about plants that we use for decorating our house. These plants are grown in small pots and pans to beautify houses. Human beings have confined nature within their four walls. They have uprooted trees from the large forests and kept them in artificial glasshouses.
What is the meaning of Isaiah 55 verse 12? ›
Isaiah 55:12 describes nature's participation in the exiles' return. Mountains and hills break out in harmony, while the forest claps the rhythm. The very landscape transforms itself. Pernicious weeds are replaced by tall, luxuriant trees.
Do trees have spiritual meaning? ›
Trees offer us mystical connection to our spirituality and play an important role in many mythologies and religions. In ancient traditions all over the world, the tree is a symbol of life itself, representing the totality of a universe in which everything is imbued with spirit.
