“HALLELUJAH!” That’s what can be said! What the original language might show as “Hallel Yah!” (roughly), we recognize as “Hallelujah!”. This basically means “Praise the Lord!” In fact, if you want to see what the Jewish people recite as the “Hallel”, you can refer to Psalms 113 – 118. They recite these (verbatim, by the way) on some of their Holy days, as a way of expressing their praise and thanksgiving to God.
They also have their “Great Hallel”, which is Psalm 136. This is also recited at certain special times, including the last day of Passover. Many scholars believe the Hallel has been recited in one fashion or another since the days of Moses.
So what does this have to do with a ‘big finish’? Well, even though the last Psalm in the book (Psalm 150) is not part of the “Hallel”, it certainly is filled with praise. In fact, every time you see the word “Praise the Lord” or “Praise God” in Psalm 150, it is basically translating the “Hallel Yah!”
And how often does the writer use this term? Only in every verse! Read this short and beautiful praise-filled song for yourself, and let’s make this a day where we all say “HALLEL YAH!” For our God is oh so worthy!
Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with timbrel and dancing,
praise him with the strings and pipe,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.