Storytelling( or testimony) is another type of song. We sing testimonies about God in the third person to recount the wonders that He has done in our and others’ lives. Testimony brings encouragement and lines up with Ephesians 5:19 which instructs us to“[ speak ] to one another in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs.” Sharing what we have witnessed is a way of remembering( zachor) – and not forgetting – the awesome power of the God of Israel. The relational dynamic of storytelling is“ person to person,” but it can also be self-edifying, meaning that we can sing songs of testimony to encourage ourselves. It is important to note that this type of song does not work to build our relationship with God any more than my telling you about my favorite movie star builds my relationship with that movie star, except that, if I eventually meet the movie star, I will already know a lot about that celebrity. An example of storytelling is Miqedem’ s song,“ Betzet Yisrael.”
Songs of declaration are like storytelling and can also serve to encourage, but they differ from storytelling because they affirm our God’ s identity by faith rather than by fact. Relationally, we can make declarations to others, to ourselves, or to God. Being conscious of our focus helps us to understand the relational nature of our pursuits. Songs of declaration about God, one subcategory, align with Psalm 105:1-2 which instructs us to make known among the nations what Adonai has done. An example of a declaration about God is Sue Samuel’ s and Baht Rivka’ s“ Rise Up.”
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Songs of declaration about ourselves, another subcategory, align with Galatians 2:20 which instructs us to form our identity in Messiah. An example is Mattias Jelski of SOLU’ s“ Ani Chofshi”(“ I am Free”).
Thanksgiving, or gratitude, is like testimony but coming from a different heart bent. As in storytelling, we stand in awe of God’ s works. But in thanksgiving, we also express an indebtedness and personal gratitude for what God has done. Thanksgiving pivots the relational dynamic from“ person to person” to“ person to God” which is a critical shift toward worship. An example of a thanksgiving song is the SOLU team’ s“ Rak Bizkhutkha”(“ Only Thanks To You”).
Teshuvah, or repentance, is a deeply personal type of song which we offer to Adonai. Relationally, songs of teshuvah( returning) are“ person to God”