10 Biblical Heroes And The Power Behind Brandon Lake's "That's Who I Praise" Lyrics

Brandon Lake’s latest single, "That's Who I Praise," has quickly become a contemporary worship anthem since its release on July 29, 2024, resonating with believers globally for its energetic declaration of faith and trust in God. This vibrant track is far more than a catchy chorus; it's a lyrical journey through the Bible, challenging listeners to embody the radical, unwavering faith of Old and New Testament heroes. The song serves as a powerful reminder that the same God who delivered figures like Daniel and Moses is the one we are called to exalt today, making it a fresh and unique addition to the worship landscape. The song's core message is built on a foundation of biblical perseverance, using the lives of iconic figures as examples of what it means to live a life of total surrender and praise, regardless of circumstances. By weaving these stories into a modern worship context, Brandon Lake and his co-writers have created a piece that is both deeply theological and incredibly accessible, driving home the powerful truth that our ultimate praise belongs to the faithful God who never changes.

Brandon Lake: Biography and Profile

Michael Brandon Lake (born June 21, 1990) is an influential American Christian worship leader, songwriter, and recording artist. Known for his passionate and powerful vocal delivery, Lake has established himself as a prominent voice in contemporary Christian music (CCM) and modern worship.

• Full Name: Michael Brandon Lake
• Born: June 21, 1990
• Occupation: Christian Worship Singer-Songwriter, Guitarist, Worship Pastor
• Affiliations: Bethel Music collective, Maverick City Music (collaborator), Seacoast Church (Charleston, SC)
• Notable Awards: GRAMMY Award winner (including "Best Contemporary Christian Music Album" for the collaborative album *Old Church Basement* in 2022).
• Discography Highlights: Has released five studio albums, two live albums, three extended plays (EPs), and over 40 singles. Key albums include *House of Miracles* and *Tear Off the Roof*.
• Style: Characterized by a blend of rock, gospel, and pop influences, delivering high-energy, faith-declarative anthems.

The Story Behind the Song: Co-Writers and Inspiration

The creation of "That's Who I Praise" was a collaborative effort among some of the most respected names in modern worship music. This team approach ensured the song was both lyrically rich and musically impactful, focusing on a theme of active, demonstrative faith.

The song was co-written by a powerhouse team of five musicians and worship leaders: Brandon Lake himself, along with Benjamin William Hastings, Micah Nichols, Steven Furtick, and Zac Lawson.

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The central inspiration, as Lake has shared, was to capture the essence of the Old Testament heroes—figures whose faith was so radical it transformed their reality. The song aims to inspire a "David-like dance," a "Paul and Silas-like praise," and a willingness to face the "fiery furnace" with the confidence that God will deliver. It’s a call to move beyond passive belief to an energetic, visible, and unwavering commitment to worship the God who is faithful.

The song’s structure builds a bridge between the historical accounts of the Bible and the contemporary experience of the believer, asserting that the same power that worked miracles in the past is available today. This powerful blend of theology and energetic praise is what gives the track its immediate and lasting appeal.

A Lyrical Deep Dive: Decoding the Biblical References

The genius of "That's Who I Praise" lies in its rapid-fire succession of biblical references, which serve as a lyrical checklist of faith-filled actions. By studying these key lines, listeners can gain a deeper understanding of the song’s topical authority and the specific acts of faith it encourages.

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1. The Old Testament Heroes of Faith

The verses of the song are packed with a desire to emulate the faith of specific biblical figures. These figures represent different facets of radical faith, from joyful expression to unwavering commitment in the face of death.

• David: "I wanna dance like David..."
  This refers to King David, who famously "danced before the Lord with all his might" (2 Samuel 6:14) as the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem. His dance was a passionate, uninhibited act of worship, symbolizing a faith that prioritizes God's glory over personal dignity or public opinion.
• Moses: "...I wanna walk like Moses, right through the waves."
  This is a direct reference to the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14). This act of faith was a monumental display of God’s power and Moses' obedience, leading the Israelites through an impossible situation. The line encourages a faith that steps out confidently even when facing overwhelming obstacles.
• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: "I wanna face that fire, it won't burn me..."
  These three men refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar's idol and were thrown into a blazing furnace (Daniel 3). God miraculously protected them, and they emerged unharmed. The lyric is a declaration of trust that God is a shield in times of trial and persecution.
• Daniel: "...I wanna stand in the lions' den, it won't swallow me."
  The prophet Daniel was thrown into a den of lions for continuing to pray to God (Daniel 6). God sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions. This reference is a powerful affirmation of faith in the face of deadly threat and political pressure, knowing God has the final word.

2. The New Testament Examples of Praise

The song also draws inspiration from the New Testament, highlighting the power of praise even in the darkest of times.

• Paul and Silas: "...I wanna sing like Silas, tearing down the prison walls."
  In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were severely beaten and imprisoned in Philippi. At midnight, they were praying and singing hymns to God when a violent earthquake shook the prison, opening the doors and loosening everyone's chains. This story underscores the revolutionary power of praise to break literal and spiritual chains.
• Mary: (The mother of Jesus)
  While not explicitly quoted in the search snippets, the theme of embodying faith often includes Mary's submission and trust when she said, "Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). The song's overall call to radical obedience aligns with her story.

3. The Core Declaration of the Chorus

The chorus, the heart of the song, shifts focus from the actions of the heroes to the object of their—and our—worship: Jesus Christ and The Lord (God the Father). The repetition of "That's Who I Praise" is a definitive, non-negotiable declaration.

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The song identifies God using various theological entities and names, including the Lord of Hosts, the King of Kings, and the Savior. It emphasizes His unchanging nature and His faithfulness across all generations, making the praises of the biblical heroes relevant to the modern believer. The song is a theological statement that the same God who performed miracles for the prophets is the one who empowers us through the Holy Spirit today.

The Impact and Topical Authority of the Anthem

The massive popularity of "That's Who I Praise" is a testament to its effectiveness as a worship tool. It has achieved high topical authority by expertly connecting complex biblical narratives with simple, powerful calls to action.

The song's high-energy arrangement, driven by a strong rhythm and Lake's passionate vocals, transforms a list of biblical references into a celebratory anthem. This musical style encourages physical and vocal expression, mirroring the "dance like David" sentiment. It’s an intentional move to make worship an active, joyful, and communal experience.

In the context of contemporary Christian music, this single stands out by focusing on the active faith of human figures, not just the abstract attributes of God. By listing the biblical entities—from the prophet Daniel to the apostle Paul and the King David—the song provides tangible role models for spiritual endurance. This approach resonates deeply with a generation seeking authentic and practical ways to live out their faith.

The song's success highlights a growing trend in worship music: a desire for songs that are theologically robust, referencing specific scripture and historical events, while maintaining a modern, accessible sound. The collaboration between the five songwriters, including worship heavyweights like Steven Furtick, ensures the lyrical content is both pastorally sound and universally inspiring. "That's Who I Praise" is not just a song; it's a spiritual challenge to live a life worthy of the God who saves, delivers, and deserves all our praise.