A Seven-Fold Praise

A doxology is a short hymn of praise to God and is often included in Christian worship during certain parts of a worship service. Some congregations sing the familiar “Old 100th” (“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow”) in their services. The words were originally written by Thomas Ken in 1674 and were sung during morning and evening worship at Winchester College in Hampshire, England.

The seven-fold doxology found in today’s text is given as a response by the angels, the elders, and the four living creatures to the salvation of the redeemed mentioned in the previous verse. They fall on their faces before the throne and worship God when seeing the plan of redemption fulfilled. All of heaven vindicates the character of God as worthy of worship.

Seven is the number of perfection and suggests that this praise is complete and perfect. This doxology is timeless and appropriate for all who worship God. “Blessing” here comes from the Greek word for eulogy and emphasizes that good words of commendation should be spoken of God.

“Glory,” from which the word doxology originates, was sung by angels at the birth of Christ (Luke 2:14) and describes Jesus on the mount of transfiguration, when “His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:2).

“Wisdom” was used to describe Jesus’ growth from childhood into manhood (Luke 2:52). “Thanksgiving” is a word we typically use to express our gratitude toward God (1 Chronicles 16:34), but the Lord is thankful for us as well. The redeemed are called “first fruits” (James 1:18), which is an offering given out of thankfulness.

Revelation repeatedly tells us the Lord is worthy of honor, power, and might (4:9, 11; 5:12, 13; 7:12; 19:1). We will never tire of praising God, for it is these very qualities that not only lead us to trust in the Lord but are the characteristics of God who was willing to give up all of heaven to save us.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

For Further Study: Psalm 100:1–5; Ephesians 3:20, 21; Hebrews 13:20, 21

Key Bible Texts

And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, (Revelation 7:11 KJV)