Additional information
by Win Groseclose (Author)
Psalms 113-118 are known as "Egyptian Hallel" psalms (Hallel simply means "Praise Yahweh!"), thus they were written as praises that were sung in connection with the Passover meal and other Hebrew festivals and reflect upon God's redemption of his people, particularly from their bondage in Egypt. In the context of the Passover celebration, Psalms 113 and 114 typically would have been sung before the Passover meal and Psalms 115-118 would have been sung afterward. It is most likely these were the psalms that Jesus and his disciples sung after the Last Supper, a Passover meal, before their retirement to the Garden of Gethsemane and Jesus' subsequent arrest (Matthew 26:30). These psalms are designed not only to aid the Hebrews in their worship, but they were also designed with an evangelistic flavor to them. Imagine the impact that these psalms must have had on visitors to Jerusalem during these festival times. You would have streams of people entering into the city singing praises to God for his wondrous works and inviting others to sing along with them. It was meant to be an exciting time-a time that might bring even outsiders to investigate the wonders of this mighty God and the promise of his marvelous Messiah.
Author Biography
Win Groseclose (M.Div.) is pastor of St. John's United Evangelical Protestant Church (affectionately nick-named, "Burry's Church") in New Sewickley Township, PA. Pastor Win also serves as Adjunct Professor of Theology in Ukraine for R.I.T.E. (Reformed International Theological Education).
