What are the specific Psalms included in Hallel? Definition and Overview of “Hallel” Hallel refers to a collection of psalms traditionally recited or sung in Jewish worship, especially during major feasts and commemorations. The central feature of Hallel is its focus on praise and thanksgiving to the Almighty. This set of psalms is closely associated with deliverance, remembrance of God’s wonders, and expressions of communal and individual gratitude. Hallel is often distinguished into different groupings—commonly known as the “Egyptian Hallel” (Psalms 113–118), the “Great Hallel” (Psalm 136), and a few variations in usage. In many synagogues and communities throughout history, these psalms have been recited during Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot, Hanukkah, and other occasions of joyous assembly. The Specific Psalms of the “Egyptian Hallel” (Psalms 113–118) The most widely recognized rendition of Hallel includes Psalms 113 through 118. This set is sometimes referred to as the “Egyptian Hallel” because it recalls God’s deliverance of the people from Egypt and highlights His continuing acts of salvation. 1. Psalm 113: • Focus: Calling on all servants of the Lord to praise the name of God. • Notable Verse: “From the rising to the setting of the sun, the name of the LORD is praised.” (Psalm 113:3) • Emphasis: God’s exalted position contrasted with His tender care for the lowly and needy. 2. Psalm 114: • Focus: Remembering the Exodus from Egypt. • Notable Verse: “When Israel departed from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of foreign tongue, Judah became God’s sanctuary, and Israel His dominion.” (Psalm 114:1–2) • Emphasis: The earth trembling before the presence of God, demonstrating His power over creation. 3. Psalm 115: • Focus: Giving glory to God, not to idols or human might. • Notable Verse: “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness.” (Psalm 115:1) • Emphasis: Contrasting the living God with lifeless idols, extolling trust in the Lord. 4. Psalm 116: • Focus: Personal testimony of gratitude for God’s deliverance. • Notable Verse: “I love the LORD, for He has heard my voice—my appeal for mercy.” (Psalm 116:1) • Emphasis: Vows of thanksgiving and worship in response to God’s salvation. 5. Psalm 117: • Focus: A short but universal invitation to praise the LORD. • Notable Verse: “Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples!” (Psalm 117:1) • Emphasis: The universality of God’s love and truth. 6. Psalm 118: • Focus: A celebratory psalm of deliverance and refuge found in God. • Notable Verse: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” (Psalm 118:1) • Emphasis: Declaring the Lord to be the fortress for the righteous, praising His enduring covenantal love. The “Great Hallel” (Psalm 136) While the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113–118) is often the primary reference, certain liturgical traditions also refer to Psalm 136 as the “Great Hallel.” This psalm repeatedly proclaims God’s steadfast love (“for His loving devotion endures forever”) throughout Israel’s history. Many worshipers incorporate it to amplify the message of God’s mighty deeds and enduring covenant faithfulness. Notable Verse: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His loving devotion endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1) Historical and Liturgical Usage Because Hallel (Psalms 113–118) recounts the Exodus and God’s miraculous interventions, it has been recited during Passover for many centuries. Extra-biblical Jewish writings, such as the Mishnah (Pesachim 5:7), reference Hallel being sung around the Passover sacrifice. Archaeological findings in Israel (including ancient synagogue inscriptions) attest to the longstanding tradition of reading or chanting these psalms during significant feasts. Across various traditions, Hallel is fully recited on certain feast days, while an abbreviated version (Half Hallel) may be recited on others. This practice highlights how God’s deliverance, documented in Scripture and witnessed through successive generations, has been central to the worship of congregations worldwide. Hallel and the New Testament Context Although the complete text of Psalms 113–118 is not quoted collectively in the New Testament, there is a notable reference in the Gospels: “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives” (Matthew 26:30). Many scholars, drawing from Jewish custom, suggest that Jesus and His disciples likely sang from the Hallel psalms at the Last Supper, connecting Christ’s redemptive work with the traditional songs of deliverance. Textual Insights and Manuscript Evidence Over centuries, Hebrew copies of the Psalms have been meticulously preserved. Examination of the Dead Sea Scrolls, for instance, has confirmed the remarkably consistent transmission of the psalms. These findings align with the wealth of manuscript evidence that undergirds confidence in the resilience and stability of the biblical text. Additionally, various early church manuscripts that include portions of the Greek Septuagint preserve these psalms in forms substantially matching the Hebrew text. The authoritative nature of these psalms, passed down through multiple textual streams, underscores their important place in both Jewish and Christian worship practices. Theological Significance of the Hallel Psalms The Hallel set draws attention to the Lord’s covenant faithfulness, His nature as Redeemer, and His power over creation. Reciting these psalms fosters a corporate and personal response of adoration and trust in Him. Their content offers both praise and instruction: • Redemption History: Psalms 113–118 proclaim God’s work in redeeming His people from bondage. • Universal Call to Praise: Psalm 117 invites nations everywhere to worship the Creator. • Thanksgiving and Trust: The psalmists model gratitude and reliance on God’s loving devotion. • Prophetic Foreshadowing: Themes of deliverance and covenant love point ultimately to the fuller redemption brought to fruition. Conclusion The specific psalms most commonly included in Hallel are Psalms 113–118, revered for their profound declaration of praise, their historic focus on God’s acts of deliverance, and their timeless call for believers and all peoples to worship the Lord. In some liturgical traditions, Psalm 136 is referred to as the “Great Hallel” due to its richly repeated refrain extolling the eternal love and power of God. Throughout centuries, faithful recitation of these psalms has shaped communal identity, reinforced trust in divine deliverance, and celebrated the inexhaustible faithfulness of the One who is worthy of all honor. By reading and meditating on the Hallel psalms, worshipers unite their voices with generations past, proclaiming the enduring truth: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” (Psalm 118:1) |
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