Amen

AMEN!!!

The word “Amen” is found 77 times in the New King James Version with 26 being in the Old Testament and 51 in the New Testament. The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia says it is equal to “truly” or “verily.” Twice in Isaiah 65.16 ”Amen” is used as a noun referring to God as “the God of truth.” It is generally used to express confirmation or to express one’s endorsement of what is said.

The first time it is used in the Bible is in Numbers 5. If a man suspected that his wife had been unfaithful to him, he was to bring his wife before a priest. He was also to bring an offering to the priest which was called the grain offering of jealousy (Numbers 5.15). The priest was to take some of the dust off the tabernacle floor, put it is some water and give it to the woman. She was placed under an oath and if she had been unfaithful her stomach would swell. “Then the woman shall say, ‘Amen, so be it.’” (Numbers 5.22). In essence she was to accept what was revealed.

In Deuteronomy 27, half of the tribes of Israel was placed on Mount Gerizim ; Simeon, Levi , Judah , Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. The other half was place on Mount Ebal. Those on Mount Gerizim were; Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. As the Law of God was read and a curse was put on those that transgressed, the people were to say “Amen.” The point being that God would curse or punish those that broke His Law.

In the Psalms, the word “amen” is used after a term describing the greatness and majesty of God. For instance, “9 And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.” (Psalm 72) “ Blessed be the LORD forevermore! Amen and Amen.” (Psalm 89:52). “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel From everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, "Amen! Praise the LORD!” (Psalm 106.48)

In Jeremiah 28, the word is used to place emphasis on what was said and what the prophet was about to say. A false prophet, Hananiah, told Zedekiah, King of Judah that in two years Nebuchadnezzar would return the vessels taken from the Lord’s house and Jeconiah would come back to Jerusalem . At that point Jeremiah said “Amen” and then accused Hananiah of prophesying lies. Therefore, Amen, was used to underline or stress what Jeremiah was about to say.

In Matthew 6, Jesus closed His prayer with the word “Amen.” Often we say Amen at the end of a prayer or during a lesson as a way of affirming or showing our approval of what was said. Paul, in speaking of spiritual gifts, made a point of using those gifts so others will understand what was said. He pointed out that if one sings or prays in a way that others can not understand, then how can they say “Amen”, see 1 Corinthians 14.16.

Today we need to affirm the word of God and express our agreement with what is said. We need to speak in such a way that others can hear and understand us. One reason we recently asked those leading in prayers to come to the microphone is so others will be able to adequately hear their prayers and say Amen. If not out loud at least in our heart.

We need to agree with God’s punishment of sin and be thankful for His blessings. God told the Israelites on Mount Ebal to say “Amen” as the Law of God was read. I can not point to a specific passage that commands us to do so today, but I can see in the New Testament where the word was used.

There used to be a time when one would hear a hearty “Amen” from time to time during a sermon or after a prayer. It seems as if that is being done less and less these days. It is possible for a person to say “amen” to the point of distracting the speaker and/or audience, but that is rarely done in churches of Christ. In some religious groups the word “amen” has been replaced by handclapping. I remember reading an article a few years ago where the writer made the point of asking if one can clap to show agreement can he also boo to show disagreement? The scriptural way of showing our approval or agreement is by saying “amen.” It should not be said thoughtlessly, but only when something is said in harmony with God’s word. . I should also add the scriptural way to show disapproval is to confront the teacher with their error.

Amen also shows our involvement in the services. Worship is not meant to be a spectator event. We must be thinking about what we are doing and saying. This is one area in which more people can be involved. As we hear the word “amen” less and less, I wonder if it is due to disagreeing with the message or if we are no longer comfortable speaking out? I must admit to internally saying “amen” and not expressing it externally, but that does not let the speaker know that I agree with him. It can be discouraging or cause one to doubt if others are listening to their prayer or lesson.

Do not misunderstand what I am about to say, for I do not believe we need to be dancing around and shouting during our services. Everything should be done in a decent and orderly manner, 1 Corinthians 14.40. But that does not mean we should be emotionless and speechless. So, if you hear some thing said you agree with, let me hear a hearty “amen.” It may require us to get out of our comfort zone, but we need to let God and others know that we stand by the word of God. – Dennis Tucker

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