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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJames Hastings Dictionary of the Bible: Hallel
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HALLEL.—The name given in Rabbinical writings to the Psa_113:1-9; Psa_114:1-8; Psa_115:1-18; Psa_116:1-19; Psa_117:1-2; Psa_118:1-29—called the ‘Egyptian Hallel’ in distinction from the ‘Great Hallel’ (Psa_120:1-7; Psa_121:1-8; Psa_122:1-9; Psa_123:1-4; Psa_124:1-8; Psa_125:1-5; Psa_126:1-6; Psa_127:1-5; Psa_128:1-6; Psa_129:1-8; Psa_130:1-8; Psa_131:1-3; Psa_132:1-18; Psa_133:1-3; Psa_134:1-3; Psa_135:1-21; Psa_136:1-26), and from Psa_146:1-10; Psa_147:1-20; Psa_148:1-14, which are also psalms of Hallel character. The Hallel proper (Psa_113:1-9; Psa_114:1-8; Psa_115:1-18; Psa_116:1-19; Psa_117:1-2; Psa_118:1-29) was always regarded as forming one whole. The word Hallel means ‘Praise,’ and the name was given on account of the oft-recurring word Hallelujah (‘Praise ye the Lord’) in these psalms. The ‘Hallel’ was sung at the great Jewish festivals—Passover, Tabernacles, Pentecost, and Chanukkah (‘Dedication’ of the Temple).
W. O. E. Oesterley.