ELTBefore Worship נשתחוה
Understanding Worship
In Hebrew, the word for 'worship' is like a riddle that reveals its true meaning through the words used to describe it.
What Does Worship Really Mean?
The Hebrew word for worship comes from the idea of forgetting everything else and focusing only on God. The word נש (Nash) means "forget." When the letter ת (Tav) is added, it becomes נשת (Nasht), which means the act of forgetting. Worship, then, is about setting aside everything that distracts us—our worries, our busy lives—and turning our attention to God alone.
Eve and the Garden
The name חוה (Chavvah, or Eve) also helps us understand worship. Eve in the Garden of Eden represents life, creation, and the first relationship between man and woman. Before Eve was created, Adam was alone with God in the Garden. This time of solitude between Adam and God represents the true essence of worship.
Worship is Time with God Alone
Worship is not just about rituals or actions. It’s about being in a close relationship with God, just as Adam was alone with God in the Garden before Eve. Worship happens when we forget everything else and focus fully on God, just as Adam did in the Garden.
Conclusion
Worship is like returning to the peaceful solitude of the Garden of Eden, where Adam spent time with God alone. Worship is not about busy rituals; it’s about being still with God, tuning out everything else, and focusing only on Him. When we do this, we experience the deepest meaning of worship.
Discussion
Worship as Forgetting Everything Else
Understanding worship as forgetting everything around us and focusing on God tells us that true worship is not about actions, but about connecting with God in a quiet, focused way. It shows the importance of setting aside distractions to experience a close relationship with God.
Eve as a Symbol for the Start of Worship
Before Eve, Adam was in perfect communion with God, showing that worship starts when we are alone with God, away from the distractions of the world.
Worship as a Relationship, Not a Ritual
Worship is more about the relationship with God than following rules or rituals. It’s about finding a space where we are focused solely on Him, just like the peaceful time Adam had with God before Eve. Worship is a living, ongoing connection with God.
The Garden as the Perfect Example of Worship
The Garden of Eden is the perfect model for worship—a place where Adam and God were together without distractions. This helps us understand that worship is about getting back to that close relationship with God, just like Adam had before Eve. It’s a time of solitude and intimacy with our Creator.
