ELTBefore Worship נשתחוה
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. (See Appendix 9.1: Worship as a Continuous Act of Forgetting )
Eve and the Garden
The name חוה (Chavvah, or Eve) also helps us understand worship. 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, then, is about setting aside everything that distracts us—our worries, our busy lives—and turning our attention to God alone. [1] (See Appendix 9.2: Eve’s Role in Worship and Solitude with God )
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. (See Appendix 9.3: Worship as an Internal Act of Communion )
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. (See Appendix 9.4: The Solitude of Worship and Personal Reflection )
Discussion
- What does it mean to understand worship as forgetting everything else and focusing on God?
- How does this perspective show that true worship is not just about actions, but about connecting with God in a quiet, focused way?
- Why is setting aside distractions important for experiencing a close relationship with God?
- How does Eve serve as a symbol for the distraction of worship?
- What does Adam’s perfect communion with God before Eve suggest about the beginning of worship?
- How can we interpret worship starting when we are alone with God, away from distractions?
- In what ways is worship more about the relationship with God than following rules or rituals?
- How can we create a space where we are focused solely on God, just like Adam was before Eve?
- What does it mean for worship to be a living, ongoing connection with God?
- How does the Garden of Eden serve as the perfect model for worship?
- What can we learn from the relationship between Adam and God in the Garden regarding worship?
- How can we apply the concept of solitude and intimacy with God in our own worship practices?
