Handclapping

Clapping hands in the Old Testament is used in both a good and a bad sense (Job 27:23; Lam. 2:15; Ps. 47:1; 98:8; Is. 55:12), while the practice is found nowhere in the New Testament even though God obviously knows how to say it. So, if one is going to use one unauthorized sense of it, why not both? If you can applaud to what you like, why can you not boo to what you dislike, since both senses are biblical? Strange, how brethren who believe in applauding in approval do not believe in booing in disapproval. Furthermore, handclapping in appreciation for the preacher preaching the truth (2 Tim. 4:2), or for a person being baptized for remission of sins (Acts 2:37-38), or for the restoration of a fallen Christian (Gal. 6:1), and so on, is also unauthorized and unneeded. These things are commanded by God and are the obligation of the one doing them. No one deserves any praise/applause for it. “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do” (Luke 17:10). God is not served/worshiped with men’s hands today (Acts 17:25; Heb. 13:15). Also, rhythmic handclapping with the singing is an unauthorized addition (percussion instrument) to the singing, not an expedient to help carry out the command to sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Song books, a song leader, microphones, etc., are expedients/helps to the command of singing. Handclapping does not help us sing. Lastly, “amen” is found in both the Old and New Testament (Deut. 27:15-26; Neh. 8:5-6; 1 Co. 14:16; Eph. 3:31). Amen, “so be it, let it be so,” affirms God’s truth being proclaimed or obeyed. God is glorified when people amen His truth. You have probably heard it rightly said that God is the audience/object of our worship (John 4:23-24), and if there is to be any applause, God should do it. (smile). Amen!