HEBREW LITURGICAL HYMNS

Derived from psalms, a psalm-hymn is one in which the whole congregation praises GOD for His works or attributes (Ps. 105). Six sub categories of hymn are:

• victory songs, which praise GOD for His victories over the nations (Ps. 68);
• Zion songs, which praise GOD and specifically refer to His presence in Zion (Ps. 48);
• songs of the LORD's reign, which begin with the words, "The LORD reigns" (Ps. 99);
• antiphonal hymns, chanted by either the priests or choir with the congregation responding antiphonally (Ps. 136);
• processional hymns, sung as the worshipers moved into the temple area (Ps. 24);
• hallelujah hymns, which begin or end with "Praise the LORD!" (Hebrew hallelu Yah; Ps. 146).

humnos (hoom'-nos); apparently from a simpler (obsolete) form of hudeo (to celebrate; probably akin to 103; compare 5667); a "hymn" or religious ode (one of the Psalms)

The main purpose of a hymn is to sing praise to God. It may be for public liturgical use or for mere private devotion. A good example of this is Psalm 23 were David in procession with the Ark sings a hymn as it approaches the Temple.

The Book of Psalms may be said to be the hymn-book of the congregation of Israel during the existence of the Second Temple, though not every psalm in the collection is of a character to which this designation may apply. A partial classification of the individual psalms would include the following: hymns of praise acclaiming God as creator of the world (19, 65), as ruler of history (107), and as king of Jerusalem (47, 135); supplications and laments recited by individuals seeking deliverance in times of personal crisis (3, 77), and by the whole people in times of national peril or woe (137); royal psalms (72, 110); songs of faith and trust in God (23); wisdom teachings and meditations (1, 101); and maledictions (59). The following is an example of a hymn authored by David.

Book of Psalms Chapter 3

(Hebrew Verse 1: A hymn to David whilst fleeing his son Avshalom)

PSALMS 3:1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

PSALMS 3:2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

PSALMS 3:3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

PSALMS 3:4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

PSALMS 3:5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

PSALMS 3:6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

PSALMS 3:7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

PSALMS 3:8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

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