Why Worship (Genesis 19:1; 48:12; Ephesians 2:14,18)

Is God a tyrant, a despot, or some ego centered narcissist, that demands worship from the insignificant peons, whose lot it is in life to render blind reverence to a detached, distant dictator, who serves only His own plans and purpose?

WORSHIP (Greek Word)

The Greek word for worship is (proskyneo), 4352, which comes from (pros),4314, "to, toward", and (kyneo), n.f., meaning "to kiss or adore". Basically, the meaning is "to kiss toward".

In ancient oriental custom, there were 3 types of "greetings":

1. Equals would kiss each other on the lips.

2. Those of slight difference in social standing would kiss each other on the cheeks.

3. An inferior would prostrate themselves, forehead to the ground, "throwing" kisses to their superior.

Genesis 19:1 - Two Angels (Messengers) came to Sodom

"...Lot seeing (them) rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground"

Genesis 48:12 - Jacob Blesses Joseph's Sons

"...and Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth"

WORSHIP (Hebrew Word)

The Hebrew word for worship gives the true picture and meaning of worship. The Hebrew word for worship is formed from the 3 pictographic letters (Hey), (Chet), and (Shin).

HEY - Look! Behold! [Meaning to see/experience something amazing]. It is pronounced, as in English, "Hey"

CHET - Tent wall / Fence / Separation [The picture is of the nomadic tent wall that divided one side of the inside of the tent from the other]. It is pronounced with the hard guttural sound in the back of the throat, like in 'Bach' or 'ich'. 

SHIN - Eat / Consume / Destroy [It is the picture of two front teeth]. It has the sound of ''sh''.

Hebrew is read from right to left, and not left to right, so that the meaning of worship, which is obviously for our benefit, is:

"... that which destroys or breaks down the walls, or what divides, so we can see and experience something amazing!" [God's presence].

"...He (Jesus) is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition..." (Eph.2:14).

"...through Him (Jesus) we ....have access by one Spirit to the Father" (Eph.2:18).

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours