HALLEL

ha-lal', hal'-el: In the fifth book of the Psalms (107-50) there are several groups of Hallelujah Psalms: 104 through 106; 111 through 113; 115 through 117; 135; 146 through 150. In the worship of the synagogue Psalms 135 through Psalms 136 and Psalms 146 through Psalms 150 were used in the daily morning service. Psalms 113 through Psalms 118 were called the "Egyp Hallel," and were sung at the feasts of the Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles and Dedication. At the Passover, Psalms 113 and Psalms 114 (according to the school of Shammai only Psalms 113) were sung before the feast, and Psalms 115 through Psalms 118 after drinking the last cup. The song used by our Lord and the disciples on the night of the betrayal (Matthew 26:30), just before the departure for the Mount of Olives, probably included Psalms 115 through Psalms 118.

John Richard Sampey

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.