The term used here is quite rare in the New Testament (8x) but very frequent in the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) as a translation of the Hebrew term hallel (used in the word hallelujah
). The instruction from the voice, then, forms a direct echo of the summons of the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures of Revelation 19:4 as caught in the word “Hallelujah” (praise Yahweh
). We are to understand the word “praise” as meaning: to speak well of, to commend, to augment his reputation, and so to worship and adore.
5 And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.”