The Hallel Psalms are a group of psalms in the Book of Psalms that are recited by Jews during major Jewish holidays. The word “hallel” in Hebrew means “praise” – these psalms contain joyous praise and thanks to God.
The Hallel Psalms are Psalms 113-118. These psalms were originally sung by pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem during the three major Jewish festivals – Passover, Weeks (Shavuot), and Tabernacles (Sukkot). They have become associated with these festivals and are recited during the Passover seder meal and throughout the week-long festival of Sukkot.
Here is an overview of each of the Hallel Psalms:
Psalm 113
Psalm 113 is a hymn of praise calling all servants of God to praise the name of the Lord. The themes of the psalm are:
– Praising God’s name – Verses 1-3 call for the praising of God’s name, both now and forevermore. His name and praise are to be blessed.
– God’s transcendence – Verses 4-6 extol God’s transcendence. He is exalted far above all nations and rules over the heavens and the earth from on high.
– God’s immanence – Verses 7-9 highlight God’s care for the poor and needy. Though exalted, he raises the poor from the ash heap to be seated with princes. He is both far above yet cares for the lowly.
The psalmist calls for God’s servants everywhere, no matter their station, to praise his exalted yet immanent name. God cares for the poor and needy, so all should praise him.
Psalm 114
Psalm 114 recounts God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt during the Exodus. The themes include:
– Reverence for God’s power – When Israel went forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, God’s power caused the sea to flee and the Jordan to turn back. The mountains and hills skipped like rams at God’s presence.
– God’s faithfulness to Israel – Though not stated outright, the psalm recounts God’s mighty deeds in delivering Israel from Egypt and leading them to the Promised Land. This demonstrates his covenant faithfulness.
The psalm inspires reverence and awe at God’s power displayed in the Exodus. It also praises his faithfulness in redeeming Israel from slavery.
Psalm 115
Psalm 115 is a hymn contrasting the living God of Israel with the lifeless idols of the nations. Key themes include:
– The impotence of idols – The idols of the nations are mere human constructs of silver and gold, made by human hands. They have no life or power to act.
– The greatness of God – In contrast to idols, God is in the heavens and does as he pleases. His glory exceeds that of the nations.
– Trust and blessing – Those who trust in God will be blessed. God remembers and will bless the house of Israel.
The psalm calls God’s people to trust in the true and living God who alone has power to act. It contrasts his glory with the inability of man-made idols.
Psalm 116
Psalm 116 begins with the psalmist expressing love for God for answering his call and delivering him from distress. Key themes include:
– Thanksgiving for deliverance – The psalmist continues to walk before the Lord in the land of the living because God delivered him from anguish and death. He calls upon God’s name and makes offerings in gratitude.
– Keeping vows – The psalmist will fulfill vows made to God out of gratitude for deliverance from distress. He declares offering thanksgiving sacrifices in God’s presence.
– Preciousness of life with God – The psalmist sees his deliverance from death as an opportunity to continue living in God’s presence. This life is precious to the psalmist.
The psalmist is intensely grateful that God delivered him from death. He responds with praise and vows towalk before God in thanksgiving.
Psalm 117
Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm and calls all nations and peoples to praise God for his merciful love and faithfulness. Key themes include:
– Universal call to praise God – All nations, peoples, tribes, and languages are called to praise God for his merciful love and faithfulness. His praise transcends Israel alone.
– God’s eternal merciful love – The psalm emphasizes God’s merciful love and faithfulness. His eternal attributes are reasons to praise him.
– God’s lordship over all nations – That God deserves praise from all peoples implies his lordship over all nations.
This brief hymn calls everyone everywhere to praise the God of Israel. He is eternal, merciful, and faithful, warranting praise from all peoples of the earth.
Psalm 118
Psalm 118 is a song of thanksgiving for God’s deliverance, mercy, and salvation. Major themes include:
– Thanksgiving for God’s goodness – The psalmist calls all to acknowledge God’s goodness and everlasting mercy. God answered the psalmist’s cries and became his salvation.
– Rejection of earthly confidence – It is better to take refuge in God than trust in man. God is the psalmist’s defender against enemies.
– The rejected stone – Verse 22 says “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Some see this prophecy of Jesus, the stone rejected who became the foundation.
– Salvation through the Lord – Salvation comes only through the Lord’s intervention. He is the psalmist’s God, and he answers.
Psalm 118 is a grateful prayer recognizing salvation comes from God alone. Though rejected by men, God provides the true cornerstone.
Themes of the Hallel Psalms
Though each psalm has its own distinctive emphasis, there are common themes that emerge in the Hallel Psalms:
– Praise and Thanksgiving – Every psalm contains praise to God for his goodness and faithfulness to Israel. There are calls to prayer and vows to offer thanksgiving for God’s mercy and deliverance.
– Power and Kingship – God is extolled as the all-powerful king who rules over all and is exalted above the nations. His glory and majesty are emphasized.
– Redemption and Salvation – Several psalms highlight God’s past deliverance of Israel from Egypt. More broadly, they recognize God as redeemer and savior from distress and enemies.
– Universality – God’s lordship extends beyond Israel to all nations of the earth. Psalm 117 calls all peoples everywhere to praise God.
– Trust in God – The Hallel Psalms call people to trust in God rather than earthly powers or idols. God is the source of blessing and protection.
– Rejection of Idolatry – Idol worship is directly rebuked and critiqued for being lifeless and powerless compared to the might of the living God.
These unifying themes of the Hallel Psalms all contribute to the spirit of praise in these six psalms. Together they paint a picture of God’s power, kingship, mercy, and salvation that extend to all the earth and warrant continual praise.
Usage in Jewish Worship
The Hallel Psalms are integral parts of Jewish worship during major holidays:
– Passover – Psalms 113-114 are recited during the Passover seder meal. Psalms 115-118 are sung at the synagogue service on each day of Passover.
– Shavuot – Psalm 118 is traditionally read on Shavuot. This psalm figures prominently in the holiday celebrating the giving of the Torah.
– Sukkot – Psalms 113-118 comprise the full Hallel service and are recited throughout the week of Sukkot.
– Hanukkah – Psalm 113 is traditionally sung on Hanukkah. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the temple, a key theme of Psalm 113.
– Rosh Chodesh – Psalm 104 is traditionally recited on Rosh Chodesh, the first day of the new month in the Jewish calendar.
– Shabbat – Many Jewish communities recite parts of Hallel on Sabbath and festivals. The Levites in the Temple are thought to have sung these psalms during sacrifices on Sabbath and holidays.
The songs of praise found in the Hallel Psalms have been incorporated into Jewish liturgy to be remembered and sung on holidays commemorating God’s redemptive acts in Israel’s history. These psalms provide the liturgical soundtrack to recount God’s faithfulness.
Prophetic Interpretations of the Hallel Psalms
In addition to their liturgical function, the Hallel Psalms have also been understood prophetically by Jews and Christians:
– Messianic prophecies – Psalm 118, in particular, contains verses interpreted as prophecies of Jesus. Verse 22 (“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”) is cited in the New Testament as referring to Jesus (Matthew 21:42).
– Psalms 113-114 – In the Passover Seder, these two psalms are thought to refer prophetically to the end times. Psalm 113 refers to the ingathering of the exiles. Psalm 114 alludes to miracles as in the days of the Exodus.
– Creation and redemption – According to the Talmud, Psalm 114 alludes to God’s original acts of creation. Read on Passover, it connects creation to the redemption from Egypt.
– God as redeemer – Many psalms praise God as redeemer and savior. In Psalm 118, redemption comes through God’s right hand. This prophesies God’s future redemption of Israel.
– Kingdom of God – The Hallel Psalms proclaim God’s kingship over all the earth. This anticipates the Messianic age when all nations will worship God.
Though non-prophetic in intent, the Hallel Psalms have prompted messianic and eschatological reflection by Jews and Christians for centuries. Their themes of God’s kingship and redemption point toward God’s final salvation.
The Hallel Psalms in the New Testament
The early church recognized the importance of the Hallel Psalms, incorporating them in the Passover-like Lord’s Supper:
– Last Supper – Jesus and the disciples likely sang the Hallel Psalms (Psalms 115-118) during the Last Supper on Passover (Matthew 26:30).
– Psalms 113-114 – These psalms were probably sung earlier in the Passover Seder meal at the Last Supper.
– Betrayal – Jesus left to pray after singing the Hallel Psalms, then Judas betrayed him (Matthew 26:30-46). Jesus sang these hopeful psalms just before his suffering.
– Psalm 118 – In the Gospels, Psalm 118 is explicitly referenced regarding Jesus’s triumphal entry (Matthew 21:9;Mark 11:9; Luke 19:38). His rejection by the chief priests may have brought to mind Psalm 118:22.
– Cornerstone – Jesus identified himself as the cornerstone of Psalm 118:22 that the builders rejected (Matthew 21:42). This psalm was likely on his mind during Passion Week.
– Communion – The Lord’s Supper involves the bread and wine just as Passover uses matzah and wine. Reciting the Hallel Psalms during communion has early roots.
For the early Christian community, Jesus fulfilled the Hallel Psalms in his crucifixion and resurrection. These psalms were vital to interpreting Passion events and the meaning of the Lord’s Supper.
Why Recite the Hallel Psalms?
The Hallel Psalms endure as staples of Jewish and Christian worship because:
– Participation in tradition – Singing the ancient Psalms joins worshippers to centuries of Passover and holiday observance by God’s people.
– Common heritage – The Exodus story undergirds these psalms. Later generations recall God’s acts in Israel’s founding story.
– Response to God’s acts – God is praised in song for his deliverance in ages past. Remembering moves worshippers to gratitude and praise.
– Acclaiming kingship – Hallel Psalms exalt God’s kingship over all creation. Reciting them is an act of submission to universal divine rule.
– Affirming hope – Psalms that recall redemption and promise salvation direct thoughts toward future divine acts and Israel’s ultimate redemption.
– Prefiguring Messiah – Christians see the psalms of suffering and vindication pointing ahead to Jesus, the cornerstone rejected who triumphed.
– Shaping tradition – By participating in reciting these psalms, worshippers allow the psalms to shape their imagination and understanding of God.
The Hallel Psalms give voice to praise, gratitude, and hope. Through public recitation, God’s people perpetually acclaim him as redeemer and king.
Enduring Relevance of the Hallel Psalms
Though composed centuries ago, the Hallel Psalms remain vital expressions of praise and trust for modern worshippers:
– Timeless praise – Transcending their original context, the calls to praise God’s eternal love and kingship over all the earth apply in all times.
– Gratitude for God’s acts – We have new reasons to thank God for his acts of deliverance, even if not from Egypt. Gratitude propels praise.
– Affirming kingship – Recognizing God as the supreme king is a counter-cultural declaration today as in the past.
– Trust for the marginalized – God lifting up the needy and vulnerable inspires care for the marginalized. Justice stems from praise.
– God cares – God’s concern for the lowly inspires hope that he still cares. Divine transcendence is tempered by immanence.
– Look to God alone – Rejecting trust in any idol, savior, or power but God remains a crucial message.
– God can surprise – The cornerstone rejected proverb gives hope God can surprise and overcome rejection.
Though ancient liturgical songs, the Hallel Psalms continue to shape worshippers today through unceasing praise, gratitude, hope, and trust.
