The History of Hallelujah

Today is in most of our churches the last day to sound our hallelujahs before Lent begins.  Before we bury them, let pause to reflect on where we get this joyous word we use often in our worship and hymnody.

In different languages:

Hallelujah is simply the English language’s attempt to pronounce the Hebrew word you see above.  It is not a translation of the word.  It is simply a transliteration of the Hebrew into English.

What does it mean?

“Hallel” in Hebrew is the verb for “praise.”  “Y/Jah” is short for “Y/Jahweh” which is God’s personal name.  So hallelujah or alleluia means “Praise ye God.”

Where is it in the Bible?

In the Psalms:

Psalm 104:35 Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalm 106:1 Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Wherever the KJV in these psalms you see “Praise ye the LORD” the Hebrew underlying those words is Hallelujah.  More modern translations usually have praise (you) the Lord.

In Revelation:

Revelation 19:1-4 After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants." Once more they cried out, "Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever." And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, "Amen. Hallelujah!"

Truth is, we find it only in a few places in the scriptures.  But its use was very prevalent in worship.

How was it used in the early church?

It became used in Jewish and then Christian worship as an antiphon. An antiphon is something sung in liturgy which generally surrounds the reading or chanting of  a Psalm.

Why No Hallelujahs in Lent?

This practice likely goes back to Jewish tradition: The Hallel (Praise) Psalms were spoken during the joyous Jewish feasts, but during the feasts that pondered the Lord’s judgment and therefore led the people towards repentance, they were considered inappropriate by the Rabbis.

So also, Christians sing many Hallelujahs during the most joyous feast of the church year, Easter. However, during Lent, where we focus on repentance, were refrain from singing them. It brings both somberness to Lent and special joy when they return Easter morning.   It is a sort of verbal fast.  In many middle age churches, a banner bearing the word was actually placed in a vessel and buried in the church cemetery during the Lenten season.

Alleluia Litany (Adaptation of Psalm 136)

Might be appropriate for devotions today

P: His steadfast love endures forever. C: Hallelujah

P: He is God of gods. He is Lord of lords. C: Hallelujah

P He alone does great wonders. C: Hallelujah

P He by understanding made the heavens. C: Hallelujah

P: He spread out the earth above the waters. C: Hallelujah

P: He made the great lights, the sun to rule over the day the moon and stars to rule over the night. C: Hallelujah

P: He struck down the firstborn of Egypt,brought Israel out from among them with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, divided the Red Sea in two, and made Israel pass through the midst of it. C: Hallelujah

P: He overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea. C: Hallelujah

P: He led his people through the wilderness. C: Hallelujah

P: He struck down great kings and killed mighty kings. C: Hallelujah

P: He gave their land as a heritage to Israel his servant. C: Hallelujah

P: He remembered us in our low estate and rescued us from  our foes. C: Hallelujah

P: He gives food to all flesh. C: Hallelujah

P: His steadfast love endures forever. C: Hallelujah

Prayer

P: Almighty God, you alone are worthy of our continual praise. You give us everything we need for our bodies and souls. Chiefly are we bound to praise you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. As we now bury our Hallelujahs for a time, grant us true repentance that we may sing Hallelujah to you again with great joy on Easter morn.  C:  Amen.