The Hallelujah Chorus and the Fight Against God’s Name
Why did the king stand during the Hallelujah chorus in Handel's Messiah? It's a tradition, but the exact reason is not clear. According to the story, at the first performance, King George II stood up out of respect for God and the magnificent music. However, evidence suggests he might have suddenly awakened from a nap, startled by the powerful Hallelujah.
Hallelujah Meaning and Celebration
The word "Hallelujah" in Hebrew means "Praise God" or "Praise Jehovah." These words were used in celebration of God's covenantal relationship with Israel. As listeners today stand during the Hallelujah chorus, it reflects the profound respect and commitment once expressed by the Israelites.
Jesus, the Light of the World, is worthy of such praise. His birth, life, ministry, and resurrection are celebrated in Handel's work, symbolizing divine glory and the rightful rule of God. As Jesus said in John 8:12, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
The Respect for God and the Prophetic Words
The king's standing during the Hallelujah chorus is an act of respect for God and a greater king to come. This hierarchical form of respect has its roots in ancient Jewish tradition, where even the name of God, YHWH, is often left unspoken to avoid reverence.
The Fight Against God's Name
A significant aspect of Jewish tradition is the avoidance of writing out the term "God," substituting dashes for one or more letters. For example, when writing the English word "God," Jews often use "G-d." This tradition has its origins in a time of danger, as illustrated by the story of Hananiah ben Teradion.
Hananiah ben Teradion: Ben Teradion lived in the second century C.E. and was a prominent Jewish scholar. He held meetings to teach from the Sefer Torah, the scroll containing the first five books of the Bible, and used the personal name of God, which is more than 1,800 times in these books. However, in a time when teaching Judaism was punishable by death, Ben Teradion was arrested and sentenced to death. Despite being wrapped in the very scroll he used to teach and burned at the stake, his act of teaching the name of God was seen as a transgression worthy of punishment.
Modern Interpretation and Google Further Reading
Indeed, people today might wonder about the true meaning of "Hallelujah." When we search, we find that "Hallelujah" is "God be praised" or an expression of rejoicing. The word first appeared in the book of Psalms in the Old Testament, a combination of two Hebrew words: hallel (praise) and Yah (the ancient name for God).
The term "highest praise to God" is found in several translations, such as the King James Version and the American Standard Version. The presence of the name of God in the original Hebrew is often ignored by some translations, leading to variations like "Jah" or "Yah" replacing "YHWH." The Revelation 19:1-6 in the New International Version (NIV) and the New American Standard Bible (NASB) emphasize the name of God.
Understanding the profound respect and reverence for God’s name in both Jewish and Christian traditions, we can appreciate the significance of standing during the Hallelujah chorus. It stands as a testament to the enduring power and beauty of divine praise.