The Hallel (Praise) Psalms

• The Egyptian Hallel | Psalms 113 thru 118
• These psalms were recited in homes as part of the Passover celebration.
• Psalms 113-114 were sung before the festive meal.
• Psalms 115-118 were sung after the festive meal (cf. Matt. 26:30; Mk. 14:26).
• Jesus and His disciples sand these at the Last Supper (Matt. 26:30).

• The Great Hallel | Psalms 120 thru 136
• These psalms were recited in the Temple as the Passover lambs were being slain.           • These psalms were also recited at Pentecost, Tabernacles, and Dedication.

• The Concluding Hallel | Psalms 146 thru 150
• Incorporated in daily synagogue prayers after temple destroyed in A.D. 70.

113:1 Praise [this word and its synonyms occur approximately 186 times in the psalms] the Lord.

Praise the Lord, you his servants [those loyal to the Lord, priests, Levites]; praise the [note threefold repetition…] [1] name of the Lord [the Lord’s name is to be regarded as holy (or “hallowed” as per the Lord’s prayer, Matt. 6:8)].

113:2 Let the [2] name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore [the praise of God is to have no end].

113:3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets [the praise of God has no geographical limitations], the [3] name of the Lord is to be praised.

113:4 The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens [He is Lord over everything].

113:5 [Because He is Lord over everything…] Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,

113:6 who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?

113:7 [cf. 1 Sam. 2:8 in Hannah’s Song and Lk. 1:52 in Mary’s Magnificat] He raises [an indication that God acts on behalf of the poor] the poor [“How wonderful that power which occupies itself in lifting up beggars, all befouled with the filthiness in which they lay!” (CHSpurgeon)] from the dust [signifies being an outcast of society] and lifts the needy from the ash heap [signifies being an outcast of society];

113:8 he seats them with princes [a position of prominence], with the princes of his people [God gives dignity to the poor].

113:9 He settles the childless woman [a barren woman was a social outcast; cf. Gen. 16:2; 20:18; 1 Sam. 1:6; Lk. 1:25; “The strong desire of Easterners to have children caused the birth of offspring to be haled as the choicest of favors, while barrenness was regarded as a curse…” (CHSpurgeon)] in her home as a happy mother of children.

Praise the Lord [praise Him for His sovereignty (vv. 4-5) and because of His loving and compassionate care (vv. 6-9a)].