On the solemn evening of Jesus’ last Passover before his crucifixion, the twelve disciples gathered together in a house in Jerusalem to partake of the sacred Passover meal. This meal, in its profound significance, would become known as the Last Supper. After Jesus took bread and blessed it, he broke it and gave it to the disciples. He then uttered something profound, “Take, eat; this is my body.” He then took a cup of wine and gave thanks and gave it to them, saying, “Drink you all of it: For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26: 26-28). This is the cup of salvation.
Jesus then said, “I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29). This same account of the Last Supper is found in Mark 14:22-26. Jesus said to do this in remembrance of him (Luke 22:19). Christians throughout the ages have been observing ‘communion’ as a symbolic act of the Last Supper, a sacred ritual that unites believers in the memory of Jesus' sacrifice, during which Jesus taught his disciples about what he was about to do by giving his body and blood to save the world from sin and the second death.
The next event during that fateful evening is recorded in Matthew 26:30 and Mark 14:26. “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.” This is the only recorded time in the Bible where it is said that Jesus sang. So, what hymn did Jesus and his disciples sing? We can’t be certain, but most scholars believe they sang the last portion of the ‘Hallel Psalms.’
The Hebrew word ‘halal’ is translated as ’praise’ (or to shine) in English. Our English word ‘hallelujah’ is derived from the Hebrew words ‘halal’ and ‘Jah’ (or Yah). Yah is a shortened version of Yahweh (or LORD in English). Hallelujah is usually translated in English Bibles as “Praise the Lord” in the Old Testament. There are four occurrences of the word ‘hallelujah' (or alleluia) in the New Testament, all in Revelation 19.
THE HALLEL PSALMS – PSALM 113-118
The Hallel Psalms consists of six chapters in the Book of Psalm—chapters 113-118. These six psalms are recited as a unit on festive occasions, including the first two days of the three Pilgrimage Feasts of the Lord (Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot) and Hanukkah. Some Jews also recite them on Israeli Independence Day and Jerusalem Day. The author of these six chapters in Psalm is unknown; however, many Bible scholars believe the author was David.
The subject of Psalm 113 is, of course, praising the LORD. The first verse has the word ‘praise’ three times. “Praise you the LORD. Praise, O you servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.” The chapter also ends with the phrase,“Praise you the LORD” (Psalm 113:9). This set of psalms became associated with Passover due to Psalm 114, which mentions the deliverance from Egypt. The original Passover exodus occurred on Nisan 15. This is the day in which the Jews celebrate the first day of Passover.
The theme of chapter 115 is trusting in the LORD. Three times in this chapter, an exhortation is made to “trust in the LORD. The nation of Israel, the priests of the House of Aaron, and all those who fear the LORD are encouraged to trust in the LORD, for he is their help and their shield (Psalm 115:9-11). Those who put their trust in the LORD will be blessed, both small and great. (Psalm 115:13). Chapter 115 Ends with “Praise the LORD (or Hallelujah).”
Psalm 116 is written from the perspective of someone who has been delivered from certain death. The theme of this chapter is to call upon the name of the LORD in times of trouble and sorrow. “For you have delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD” (Psalm 116:8,9,13). Chapter 116 ends with “Praise you the LORD.”
Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible and has only two verses. It begins and ends with “Praise the LORD.” Psalm 117 is the middle chapter of the Bible (KJV), being the 595th chapter out of 1189 chapters. Psalm 119 is the longest psalm and the longest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 117 introduces Psalm 118, which speaks of God’s truth and mercy. “O Praise the LORD (Hallelujah), all you nations: praise him, all you people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth forever. Praise you the LORD” (Psalm 117:1-2).
Psalm 118 is a psalm of thanksgiving to the LORD, for He is merciful. “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth forever” (Psalm 118:1). The phrase “his mercy endureth forever” is repeated in verses 2-4 and 29. Psalm 136 is known as the Great Hallel, and it has 26 verses, and every one of them ends with the phrase “his mercy endureth forever.” The exact phrase is mentioned 33 times in the Book of Psalm. The author of Psalm 118 acknowledges the power of God and His willingness to help those who obey Him. “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” (Psalm 118:6).
Most scholars believe David wrote this psalm because of the context of the following verses: “All nations compassed me about; yes, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. You have thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation” (Psalm 118:10,13,14).
The “right hand of the LORD” is referred to in the following verses. “The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD does valiantly. The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord does valiantly” (Psalm 118:15-16).
Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father. He is the right hand spoken of in these verses. Verse 21 says, “I will praise you: for you have heard me, and art become my salvation.” Both the Hebrew word Yeshua and the Greek word Iesous (Jesus) mean ‘salvation.’ See A Name Which is Above Every Name (rev310.net).
Another reason I believe David wrote Psalm 118 is the similar wording found in 1 Chronicles 16 when David brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem and placed it in a Tabernacle (not the original from Moses’ day). He wrote a song/psalm for this occasion and gave it to Asaph and his brothers to be sung and accompanied by musical instruments. The last verses praise the LORD God. “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth forever. And say you, Save us (Hosanna), O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel forever and ever” (1 Chronicles 16:34-36).
The next verse is a prophecy concerning the Jewish Messiah whom his own people would reject. Now, you have to remember that Jesus is singing this prophetic psalm about himself during the Passover before his crucifixion. “The stone which the builders refused has become the head stone of the corner” (Psalm 118:22). The cornerstone is used as a base to ensure the other stones of the building are straight and level. It is the first major stone laid in the construction of a building and is the point where the measurements are taken for the walls and rooms of the building.
We know that Jesus Christ is the stone that the builders refused and is now the head stone spoken of in this prophecy. It was God’s plan from the beginning (This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes”- Psalm 118:23), for out of this ‘refusal,’ the Church of Jesus Christ would be born, and the Kingdom of God would consist of both Jews and Gentiles. Psalm 118:22 is one of the most quoted Old Testament verses in the New Testament. It is found in Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10-11, Luke 20:17, Acts 4:11, and 1 Peter 2:7.
LIVING BUILDING STONES FOR GOD’S HOUSE - 1 PETER 2:4-10
I believe 1 Peter 2:4-10 explains it best (as he quotes from Old Testament sources). “To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious” (1 Peter 2:4). Christ is the chosen of God, the Father, and in Him, so are we.
“You also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). Explained further in Ephesians 2.“Now, therefore, you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto a holy temple in the Lord: In whom you also are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19-22).
Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded” (1 Peter 2:6). Referenced from Isaiah 28: “Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste” (Isaiah 28:16).
“Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner” (1 Peter 2:7). Referenced from Psalm 118:22.
“And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed”(1 Peter 2:8). Referenced from Isaiah 8 in which the LORD of hosts is spoken of. “And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem” (Isaiah 8:14).
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). These are the conditionalpromises God gave the children of Israel at Mt. Sinai if they would obey His commandments and statutes (Exodus 19:5-6). The Church of Jesus Christ, both Jews and Gentiles, are now that royal priesthood.
Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy” (1 Peter 2:10). Referenced from Hosea 1:9-10.
PALM SUNDAY TO PASSOVER – PSALM 118:24 – 118:29
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey on Palm Sunday (Nisan 10), several days before the Passover (Matthew 21:1-11), fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
There was a great multitude that greeted Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem. “And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest” (Matthew 21:9). This verse in Matthew is the fulfillment of Psalm 118:25-26. “Save now, I beseech you, O Lord: O Lord, I beseech you, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that comes in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord. ‘Hosanna’ is the transliteration for the Greek word ὡσαννά, which means ‘to save.’
This was a brief acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah by some of the Jewish people, but after pressure from the elite Jewish political and religious leaders, they would eventually reject Jesus as their king. He would be killed on Passover (Nisan 14) and would become a stumbling stone for the majority of the Jewish people but a precious and valuable cornerstone for all who believe in him as Lord and Savior. Psalm 118:24 says of that day, “This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Jesus had to die as a sacrifice for mankind’s sin, “God is the Lord, which has showed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar” (Psalm 118:27). He was the only unblemished human ‘lamb of God’ that could fulfill God’s plan of saving grace. During the Last Supper, Jesus knew he was about to be tortured and crucified, yet he still sang a (prophetic) song of praise with his disciples to God the Father. The song ended with the last two verses of Psalm 118. “You are my God, and I will praise you: You are my God, I will exalt you. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endures forever” (Psalm 118:28-29).
THE HALLEL PSALMS THROUGHOUT ISRAEL’S HISTORY
The Hallel Psalms might also have been sung during two other Israeli historical and biblical events. The first was after the construction of the first temple was finished, and King Solomon led the dedication ceremony. The dedication coincided with the feast of Tabernacles.
“It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14).
The second Jewish historical event that the Hallel Psalms might have been sung was when the children of Israel laid the foundation of the second temple in Jerusalem. “And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth forever toward Israel.And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid” (Ezra 3:10-11).
“God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth: sing praises with understanding” (Psalm 47:5-7).
Randy Nettles
So touching. I cannot wait for Heaven to hear these beautiful songs led by Jesus while David is playing the harp. God Bless Randy!
This beautifully written piece lifts my soul above the horrors of today’s world news by marrying the New Testament gospel of salvation with the moving image of Christ singing evermore praises from the Psalms to His Father, even as the cross loomed just ahead.
“The peace of God, that passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
This is a beautiful post. Written so well and it resonates in my heart. I can not wait to hear the songs of praise in heaven. Imagining Jesus singing praise tomHis Father bring tears to my eyes. Bless you brother.
We sang psalm 115,118, & 47 among others at Glad Tidings in Tahoe long, long ago... <3 Bible verses are my favorites to sing.