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The word “adore” is not found in most Bible translations. I found this fact puzzling since we use it often. So, my nerdy side began a search as to why. The word adore comes from the Latin root adorare, not from Greek or Hebrew. Easton’s Bible Dictionary defines it as “to worship; to express reverence and homage.” This made sense.
But… How did the Jews practice this? Again, Easton’s Bible Dictionary helped out by presenting two forms. First, by “putting off the shoes (Exodus 3:5; Joshua 5:15)” and second, by “prostration (Genesis 17:3; Psalm 95:6); Isaiah 44:15, 17, 19; 46:6).” This led me to look at the first mention of when man exhibited “adoration,” which is Genesis 17:3, “Abram fell facedown.”
Why did he prostrate?
God spoke to Abram in the past and Abram did not respond in this manner. Why this time? God made many promises to Abram. As you know, one of the promises was that Abram would have many children (Gen 15:5). In chapter 16 of Genesis, we read that Sarai and Abram got anxious and took control of the matter. They were smart and knew Sarai was physically too old to have children, so they brought Hagar into the family. However, once she became pregnant, Hagar was treated harshly and fled for her and the unborn baby’s life. The angel of the LORD spoke to Hagar in the desert. He gave Hagar the child's name and a promise for this child. The chapter ends by telling us that Abram was eighty-six years old when Ishmael was born (Gen. 16:16). Chapter 17 begins by telling us that Abram was ninety-nine. Thirteen years later.
I want to note that the last time it was recorded that God spoke to Abram was before Sarai and Abram’s plan to build a family took form. So, it is possible that it was more than thirteen years since Abram heard from God.
I love what the LORD says to Abram in verses 1-2. He tells Abram who He is, God-Almighty, which in Hebrew is El-Shaddai. The English translation just does not do it justice. It means “all-sufficient.” I like what Nathan Stone says about this passage where the promise rests in human workings, “that God reveals Himself to Abraham as El-Shaddai, mighty in sufficiency and dispensing of His bounty. He is, first of all, sufficient to revive the deadness of the human body in order to show His great power and bounty.”
No wonder Abram fell facedown. He had no other choice but to worship the One who created all things (Gen. 17:2). God’s silence was broken with the news that He was going to create a new life in what man thought was dead.
Adoration may not be a word in most Bible translations, but there is evidence of man giving adoration to God.
Encyclopedia of the Bible. Bible Gateway.
Easton’s Bible Dictionary. Blue Letter Bible
Stone, Nathan (2010) Names of God. Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. p. 50.
As I look at the culture I’m living in and witness the adoration given in the temples, I’m challenged in my ideas of what adoration and worship mean and look like for me. How have your ideas about worship and adoration changed since you moved to your host country? What are ways you privately and publicly practice adoration?
This year, I have been challenged with what I know about worship. Every year, I choose a Word to focus on. This year, my word is worship, and I am excited about what God is teaching and will continue to teach me as I study and seek Him.