They Sang a Hymn

Queen Shenaynay

"And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives." Matthew 26:30

What was this last hymn Jesus sang before suffering and dying on the cross?

Scripture doesn't specify, but according to Jewish tradition, the Passover meal observation included the singing of specific Psalms at specific moments in the meal. These are known as the Hallel Psalms (from "hallelujah"). The Jews traditionally concluded the Passover meal with the singing of Psalms 114 through 118.

A lovely comment about this from Meri on the World Magazine blog:
"As Jesus sat with his disciples, he knew that within a few short hours he would be surrounded by an angry mob demanding his death. He knew what lay before him. He knew that he would become God's true sacrificial Lamb and the true Unleavened Bread to be broken for all to see. And in the unfathomable wisdom of God, the Jewish Passover Hallel tradition would dictate the awesome prophetic script for Jesus and his disciples at this Last Supper.

Within just a few hours, two thousand years of prophetic "shadow" would 'kiss' the Truth that had omnisciently cast it. The pivot point of all history was about to occur. The words of Israel's prophets concerning Messiah were about to be fulfilled. And that evening...in that room, Jesus alone knew it."

Here are the prophetic words Jesus may well have sung as He went out into that dark night which was to be the one true hinge of history:

Psalm 118: 13-24

The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.

The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.

Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:

This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.

I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.