Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

HALLEL

A litany of praise psalms used in Jewish festivals or morning services. Heb. hallēl is derived from the verb “to praise,” which occurs as a command (“praise thou”) in various Psalms.

The “Egyptian Hallel” (cf. Ps. 114:1) comprises Pss. 113–118. It is used in its entirety on Sukkoth, Hanukkah, the first day of Passover, and Shabuʿoth. At the Passover seder it is recited in two parts, Pss. 113–114 before the seder and 115–118 afterward. Praise is associated with Passover (2 Chr. 30:21; Wis. 18:9). It is thought that Jesus and his disciples sang from this Hallel after the Last Supper (Matt. 26:30 = Mark 14:26).

The “Great Hallel” refers to Ps. 136. It is recited at the beginning of the morning prayers on sabbaths and festivals, as well as at the seder meal at Passover. The refrain makes it amenable to responsive or antiphonal recitation. Ezra 3:11 seems to allude to such a practice.

Another Hallel is Pss. 146–150, all of which begin and end with the abbreviated Hallelujah. This Hallel has a place in the morning prayer services in the synagogue.

Gerald M. Bilkes

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

HALLEL

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)