Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#150

150. Hallelu the LORD Our God

Text Information

• First Line: Hallelu the LORD our God!
• Title: Hallelu the LORD Our God
• Versifier: Calvin Seerveld (1981)
• Meter: 77 778 778
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  Psalm 150
• Topic: Doxologies; Return of Christ; Alleluias; Christmas; Creation; Music; Opening of Worship
• Copyright: © Calvin Seerveld

Tune Information

• Name: GENEVAN 150
• Harmonizer: Dale Grotenhuis (1985)
• Meter: 77 778 778
• Key: D Major
• Source: Genevan Psalter 1562
• Copyright: Harmonization © 1987, CRC Publications

Text Information:

Hallelujah, Amen.

Scripture References:
st. 1 = vv. 1-2, 6
st. 2 = vv. 3-6

This final great hallelujah may have been composed specifically to close the Psalms. In any event, Psalm 150 is the grand concluding doxology to this collection of prayer and praise (Book V; briefer doxologies close each of the previous four books: see Ps. 41:13; 72:18-19; 89:52; 106:48). As in Psalm 148, the psalmist summons a universal choir-all who are in the temple, all that are in the heavens, and everything that has breath on earth (st. 1). Praise God, says the psalmist, with every instrument of song and with dancing (st. 2).

Calvin Seerveld (PHH 22) wrote the partially rhymed versification in 1981 for the Psalter Hymnal. He notes the inclusion of the word Lamb in stanza 2 this way: "In order to honor the literary units of the psalm and to fill out the Genevan melody twice, a New Testament echo of the psalm is woven into the text (Rev. 5:12)." Other settings of Psalm 150 are at 189, 466, and 628.

Liturgical Use
An exultant doxology that unites our praise to the LORD God.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

GENEVAN 150 was first published in the 1562 edition of the Genevan Psalter. Dale Grotenhuis (PHH 4) harmonized the tune in 1985. Demonstrating how well they were in tune with the musical changes of the mid-sixteenth century, the Genevan musicians chose the Ionian mode (major) for this great doxology of the psalms. GENEVAN 150 is a majestic tune featuring some melodic repetitions and brisk rhythms. Like Psalm 149, this music requires joyful singing in parts and the participation of many instruments beyond full organ, but it should not be rushed.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook