The Hallel in Messianic song

At Pesach (Passover) each year, the Hallel, Psalms 113-118, has been traditionally recited as a joyful praising of God as the Passover draws to a close.

This tradition spans thousands of years; the gospels suggest the Master and his disciples practiced this, as Matthew 26 says that following their Passover meal, Yeshua and his disciples “sung the hymn and made their way to the Mount of Olives.” It’s plausible, even likely, that the hymn referred to here is the traditional Hallel, Psalms 113-118.

Going through the Passover haggadah this year, I wanted to infuse some music for the Hallel. After all, the Psalms were generally set to music! And music has a way of amplifying and setting to memory the words of the text.

As someone with a passion for Messianic music, I thought I’d be great to find Messianic musicians who have put these psalms to music.

Here’s what I’ve come up with, fine Kineti readers, the Messianic Song List for the Hallel. Enjoy!

Psalm 113

• Marty Goetz – From the Rising of the Sun (mp3 | chords)
  
  Marty’s typical uplifting, almost soaring tune makes this one a favorite on Chavah Messianic Radio. Marty also weaves in a bit from the gospels regarding Messiah’s empty tomb, fitting for the Passover season.
  
  
• Micha’el Ben David – Mi Mizrach Shemesh (mp3 | chords)
  
  Beautiful song, great praises! Micha’el’s praises are sincere and genuinely enthused, few artists like him. Check it out yourself:
  
  
  
  
  
• Ted Pearce – Mi Mizrach (mp3 | chords)
  
  Fast tempo, Hebrew and English, with a touch of eastern, almost Indian, sound. Fun song!
  
  
• Kathy Shooster – From the Rising of the Sun (mp3)
  
  One of Kathy’s greatest hits and her album’s namesake, this rhythmic, upbeat song weaves Psalm 113 and the Song of Moses (Exodus 15).

Psalm 114

• Sons of Korah – Psalm 114 (mp3)
  
  While perhaps identifying as Christian, rather than Messianic, this Australian group is popular among many Messianics. They put Psalm 114 to a beautiful tune with an extended instrumental.
  
  
• Savae – B’tseth Yisrael, When Israel Went Forth From Egypt (mp3)
  
  A chant put together by this group which aims to implement 1st-century instruments and vocal arrangements for a rather ancient sound. Starts with repeated horn blasts, followed by harps and beautiful vocal arrangements in the style of the eastern Orthodox churches.
  
  
• Star of David Singers – Psalm 114 (mp3)
  
  A rare item from the 1970s with a very folky and upbeat sound from these early pioneers in Messianic music.
  

Psalm 115

• Tents of Mercy – Not To Us, Oh Lord (mp3)
  
  Beautiful, underappreciated song by Israeli congregational music group Tents of Mercy, the group affiliated with Messianic pioneer Marc Chopinski. Sung in Hebrew, then Russian (?), then English.
  
  
• Roeh Israel – Not To Us (mp3)
  
  Rare item from congregation Roeh Israel.
  

Psalm 116

• Lamb – I Love the Lord (mp3 | chords)
  
  Classic favorite from Messianic music pioneers Lamb (Joel Chernoff, Levi Coghill). Well known, and still played in Messianic congregations to this day.
  
  
• Avner & Rachel Boskey – The Cup of Salvation (mp3)
  
  And oldie from Israeli believers Avner & Rachel Boskey. The Cup of Salvation refers to Psalm 116:13, “I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. This cup may be related to the traditional 3rd cup of Pesach, the Cup of Redemption.
  

Psalm 117

• Avner & Rachel Boskey – O Praise the Lord (mp3)
  
  Perhaps the most well-known song from the Boskey’s, this song still enjoys singing at modern Messianic congregations today.
  
  
• Barry & Batya Segal – Hallelu Et Adonai (mp3)
  
  A cover of the Boskey’s song, Israeli believers Barry & Batya Segal produce perhaps a superior version that simply sets feet to dancing. Hebrew and English.
  

Psalm 118

• Paul Wilbur – Shouts of Joy (mp3 | chords)
  
  ”Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous of the Lord!” goes this dizzying praise anthem.
  
  
• Marty Goetz – Ana Adonai (mp3 | chords)
  
  Heart-moving rendition of Psalm 118:25-26 by Messianic psalmist Marty Goetz. Hebrew.
  
  
• Karen Davis – Ana Adonai (mp3)
  
  Israeli believer and well-known Messianic singer Karen Davis offers a moving, meditative version of Psalm 118.
  
  
• Troy Mitchell – Psalm 118 (mp3)
  
  Chant. Upcoming Messianic artist Troy Mitchell offers a liturgical chant of the whole of Psalm 118.

There it is, fine Kineti reader! Your nearly-comprehensive list of Hallel in Messianic Song.

Have a blessed Passover in memory of the Master.