Selah: The Sound of Gospel Music

Selah: The Sound of Gospel Music is a blog dedicated to exploring the history and meaning of gospel music. We’ll share stories, videos, and resources to help you appreciate this beautiful genre of music.

What is Selah?

Selah is a style of Gospel music that is characterized by its use of call and response singing. It is often used in churches as a way to engage the congregation in worship. Selah is also known for its use of hand clapping and foot stomping, which create a feeling of excitement and energy.

The meaning of Selah

Selah is a Hebrew word found in the Psalms and Habakkuk. It is generally accepted to mean “pause, cease or rest.” There are Selahs scattered throughout the book of Psalms, mainly in Psalms 3-5, 9 and 32. No one really knows for sure why they are there, but many Bible scholars believe they were musical notations or instructions to the choir leader or worship team.

The word appears 71 times in the Bible, and its meaning has been the subject of much debate over the years. Some believe Selah is simply a rest for the singer or reader, while others think it was a direction to the choir or congregation to hold their harmony for a moment or two.

There are also those who believe Selah can be translated as “forever” or “amen,” which would give these particular passages even more emphasis. No matter what the true meaning of Selah is, one thing is certain – when we slow down and take a moment to reflect on God’s Word, we are able to receive His message more clearly.

The history of Selah

Selah is a spirit-filled word that has been used throughout the history of gospel music. This term is of Hebrew origin and is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. Selah has been used in Christian music since the early days of hymn singing. The word is derived from a Hebrew root that means “to lift up,” “to praise,” or “to sing an anthem.” Selah was originally used as a musical direction in the Psalms, instructing the singer to take a breath or pause for reflection. In Christian music, Selah is often used as a final note of praise or prayer.

How is Selah used in Gospel Music?

Selah is a musical term that is most often found in the Old Testament of the Bible. Selah is used as a way to add emphasis to a particular section of text or music. In gospel music, Selah can be used as a way to add emotion and depth to the singer’s performance.

As a way to add emphasis

Selah appears 71 times in the Bible, most often in the Book of Psalms. The word is thought to derive from a Hebrew root meaning “to lift up,” and it’s generally translated as “Forever” or “Amen.”

In gospel music, Selah is used as a way to add emphasis, feeling, or spirituality to a song. It can be used as a standalone word or phrase, or it can be integrated into the lyrics of a song. While there is no one way to use Selah in gospel music, some common ways include singing it at key points in the song (such as at the end of a verse or chorus), using it as a response to other vocalists or instruments, or using it as part of a call-and-response section.

As a way to add feeling

Selah is a Hebrew word that is used as a direction in scripture for the worship leader or leader of prayer to pause and reflect on what has just been said or sung.

It can also be used as a way to add feeling or emphasize a certain word or phrase in a song. When used in gospel music, selahs are often prolonged and done with much feeling by the singer or group.

The use of selahs in gospel music is just one of the many ways that musicians have found to add their own interpretation and style to this already beautiful genre of music.

As a way to add power

Selah is a Hebrew word that appears 71 times in the Hebrew Bible.

In the book of Psalms, selah is used as a musical notation to direct the reader to take a breath or pause. Selah can also be found in Habakkuk 3:13, where it is used to mark the end of a thought or section.

In gospel music, Selah is commonly used as a way to add power, energy, and emotion to a song. By adding Selah at key moments, gospel artists are able to create songs that move listeners both spiritually and emotionally.

Some of the most popular gospel songs that use Selah include “Amazing Grace,” “Oh Happy Day,” and “I’ll Fly Away.”

Some well-known songs that use Selah

Selah is a musical term that is most often found in Gospel music. This term is used as a direction to the performer or as a musical interlude. Selah can also be used as a call and response. It is a very important part of Gospel music and has been used in some of the most popular songs of all time.

“Amazing Grace”

One of the most popular and well-known Christian songs is “Amazing Grace.” This song was written by John Newton in 1779 and has been covered by artists across genres, including country, pop, and rock. The word “Selah” is used twice in the song, adding to the sense of reverence and awe.

“Oh, How I Love Jesus”

One of the most well-known songs that use Selah is “Oh, How I Love Jesus.” This hymn was written by Frederick Whitfield in 1864 and is still sung today by people of all ages. The lyrics talk about how much the speaker loves Jesus and how they want to spend eternity with him.

“Oh, how I love Jesus!
Oh, how I love Jesus!
Oh, how I love Jesus!
He’s my Lord and my Savior!
I want to spend eternity with Him!”

“He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”

“He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” is a spiritual song that has been sung by many artists over the years. The most famous version of the song was recorded by Mahalia Jackson in 1958. Jackson’s recording became a gospel standard and has been covered by many artists since, including Aretha Franklin, Josh Groban, and Alison Krauss.

The word “selah” is used throughout the song, and its meaning is open to interpretation. Some believe that it is a Hebrew word meaning “to praise,” while others believe that it is a direction to the singer to take a breath or pause. Either way, the use of selah in this song gives it a unique sound that has helped make it one of the most recognizable gospel songs of all time.