Hallel

Concept

Hallel (Hebrew, meaning praise) is the name given to a group of six Psalms—113 through 118—used in Jewish liturgy as a unified act of praise. These psalms were sung during the major pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Weeks, Tabernacles, and Hanukkah) and at the Passover Seder. Psalms 113–114 were traditionally sung before the Passover meal, and 115–118 were sung after, corresponding to the hymn sung by Jesus and his disciples at the conclusion of the Last Supper (Matt. 26:30; Mark 14:26).

The Hallel group begins with the summons to praise (Hallelujah) and traces God's saving acts from the exodus (Ps. 114) to the universal sovereignty of the LORD (Ps. 117) and the declaration of his enduring steadfast love (Ps. 118). Psalm 118's cry of Hosanna and the statement Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD (v. 26) were quoted by the crowds at Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matt. 21:9), linking the Hallel to the passion narrative.