That's Who I Praise: 5 Shocking Biblical Stories Behind Brandon Lake's 2024 #1 Worship Anthem
The phrase "That's Who I Praise" has exploded across the contemporary Christian music scene, not as a simple lyric, but as a powerful, declarative anthem of faith that has dominated the charts in late 2024. This high-energy single, released by GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Brandon Lake, has captured the attention of millions, becoming one of the fastest songs to reach the number one spot on multiple Christian charts this year. The song’s massive success is directly tied to its infectious energy and its profound, scripturally-rich message.
As of late 2025, the track continues to resonate deeply with listeners, serving as a bold reminder that true worship is not just about what God has done, but about the unchanging character of the one being praised. The song's viral nature and chart-topping performance solidify its status as a defining worship track of the current era, proving that a message rooted in ancient biblical stories can still be incredibly fresh and relevant today.
Brandon Lake: A Brief Biography and Profile
Michael Brandon Lake is a highly influential American Christian worship singer-songwriter, guitarist, and worship pastor who has become a cornerstone of modern worship music. His career is marked by a passionate, high-energy style that blends rock and worship into powerful, declarative anthems.
- Full Name: Michael Brandon Lake
- Born: June 21, 1990
- Origin: Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.
- Primary Roles: Singer-songwriter, Worship Pastor, Guitarist
- Church Affiliation: Served as a worship leader at Seacoast Church in Charleston.
- Professional Debut Album: Closer (2016)
- Major Collaborations: Has worked extensively with Bethel Music and Elevation Worship.
- Awards and Recognition: GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, multiple Dove Awards.
- Signature Style: Known for his dynamic stage presence and songs that blend modern rock elements with deep theological themes.
The Explosive Chart Success of the 2024 Single
"That's Who I Praise" was not merely a new track; it was an event. Released as a single on July 29, 2024, the song quickly gained momentum, becoming a fan-favorite almost instantly. Its official music video, which debuted just two days later on July 31, 2024, included a powerful compilation of hundreds of fan-submitted videos, showcasing the song's immediate and widespread community impact.
The track's commercial performance was nothing short of a phenomenon in the Christian music world.
Key Chart Milestones for "That's Who I Praise":
- Billboard AC Chart: The single officially reached the coveted #1 position on the Billboard AC chart.
- Mediabase Christian Impressions Chart: It secured the #1 spot on the Mediabase Christian Impressions chart for two consecutive weeks.
- Speed to #1: The song achieved its #1 ranking on the Mediabase chart in only 12 weeks, making it the second-fastest song to hit the top spot that year.
- Global Reach: The single also charted internationally, showing strong performance in countries like Canada, Australia, and Italy, according to iTunes chart data.
This rapid ascent highlights the song's broad appeal and its ability to connect with a global audience searching for high-energy, authentic expressions of faith. The success of "That's Who I Praise" demonstrated Lake's continued ability to create music that is both commercially successful and spiritually profound.
The Deep Meaning: 5 Biblical Stories Woven into the Song
The true genius and topical authority of "That's Who I Praise" lie in its lyrics, which are not abstract but explicitly reference powerful, miraculous events from the Bible. The song serves as a lyrical walk-through of faith heroes, encouraging listeners to emulate their examples and wholeheartedly praise God, regardless of their circumstances. Co-written by Lake alongside Zac Lawson, Benjamin William Hastings, and Steven Furtick, the song's theological depth is a testament to its collaborative songwriting power.
The central theme is that praise is due to God because of His character and power, which is demonstrated through these historical acts.
1. The Walls of Jericho
The song speaks of getting a promise, "just like Jericho." This is a direct reference to the Book of Joshua, where the Israelites were instructed to march around the fortified city of Jericho. It was not their military might, but their obedience and a shout of praise that caused the impenetrable walls to fall down. This story underscores the theme that God can make a way where there seems to be no way, and that praise is a weapon in spiritual warfare.
2. David's Unreserved Worship
The high-energy, celebratory nature of the song mirrors the biblical account of King David. The track encourages listeners to "praise like David danced," referencing the famous passage in 2 Samuel 6:14, where David danced before the Lord with all his might as the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. This is a call to unreserved, passionate, and even undignified worship.
3. Paul and Silas in Prison
A core message of the song is the importance of worship in both joy and struggle. This is powerfully illustrated by the story of Paul and Silas found in Acts 16:25-26. After being unjustly beaten and imprisoned, they did not complain but instead chose to pray and sing hymns to God. Their act of praise in the darkest place resulted in an earthquake that shook the prison doors open and broke their chains. This is the ultimate example of praising God in the face of impossible circumstances.
4. Daniel in the Lion's Den
The song’s lyrical journey includes figures who faced extreme peril yet remained faithful. Daniel is a classic example. Despite a decree that prohibited prayer to anyone but the king, Daniel continued his practice, leading to him being thrown into a den of lions. His miraculous survival, as God shut the mouths of the lions, reinforces the theme of God's sovereign protection and power over natural laws.
5. The Titles and Character of Jesus
Beyond specific events, the song is saturated with various biblical titles and names for Jesus, clearly identifying Him as the ultimate object of the praise. It focuses on His character—His power, faithfulness, and ability to break chains, heal the sick, and raise the dead. The repeated declaration, "That's Who I Praise," is a definitive statement of faith directed at the God of the Bible, the one who is the "King of Kings" and the "Great I Am."
Topical Authority and The Future of Worship Music
The success of "That's Who I Praise" is a significant moment for contemporary Christian music (CCM). It signals a desire among listeners for worship songs that are both theologically rich and musically dynamic. Brandon Lake’s ability to inject ancient scripture with a modern, high-octane sound has set a new standard for the genre.
The song is not just a commercial hit; it's a powerful tool for ministry, empowering listeners to offer praise even when life is difficult. Its message is simple yet profound: the God who performed miracles for David, Daniel, Paul, and Silas is the same God today, and He is the one worthy of all praise. This focus on the unchanging nature of God is what gives the song its enduring topical authority and ensures its place as a modern worship classic.
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