Day 307

I. Day before crucifixion (Passover Day) - cont.
9. Jesus prays at Gethsemane - Matthew 26:30, 36-46; Mark 14:26, 32-42; Luke 22:39-46; John 18:1
10. Jesus is betrayed and arrested, heals ear (M-34) - Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:2-11
11. Jesus is examined by Annas, the High Priest - John 18:12-14; 19-23
J. The crucifixion day (preparation day)
1. Jesus, tried and condemned, is mocked and buffeted - Matthew 26:57, 59-68; Mark 14:53, 55-65; Luke 22:54, 63-65; John 18:24
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Matthew 26:30 - And when they had sung an hymn...


Hymn - G5214 - From G5215; to hymn, that is, sing a religious ode; by implication to celebrate (God) in song.  (G5215 - see below.) 


There are some fellowships which practice exclusive Psalm singing - our fellowship is blessed with a musically inclined pastor who has set numerous Psalms to music (guitar or piano), but I was curious as to the history or information...soooo...off on a tangent go I.  :-)


Thought this interesting: "Throughout history the Psalms have often been central in both corporate worship and personal devotional practice. As the psalms have remained strong, the church has been revived and personal spiritual life has been enriched. Isn't it about time to renew the ancient practice of the Psalms in your congregation and in your life?"


Great historical insight about the Psalms at this site:  http://www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-worship.htm

Which is where I got the above quote.   Another site which had some interesting background information:  http://www.reformedworship.org/magazine/article.cfm?article_id=222


I liked the exhortation about renewing the practice of singing Psalms, not only in congregational time, but as individuals and families.


I liked Gill's commentary on the passage - specifically that there were certain Psalms (113-118) which were sung as part of the Passover meal.  It saddens my heart to realize how ignorant I am of a feast in which my Lord not only participated, but was the fulfillment.  How ashamedly does the Bride of Christ mock the Feast of Passover by her participation in 'easter' - which is the name of a pagan fertility goddess.  What must our Lord think of us to have substituted the holy for the harlotry of the world.


As I pondered the fact that they sung a hymn - it brought to mind the other passages of Scripture which enjoin us to:


Eph 5:19  Speaking to yourselves in psalms (G5568) and hymns (G5215) and spiritual (G4152) songs (G5603), singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.


Col 3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms (G5568) and hymns (G5215) and spiritual (G4152) songs (G5603), singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.


Psalms - G5568 - From G5567; a set piece of music, that is, a sacred ode (accompanied with the voice, harp or other instrument; a “psalm”); collectively the book of the Psalms.


hymns - G5215  - Apparently from a simpler (obsolete) form of ὕδέω hudeō (to celebrate; probably akin to G103; compare G5567); a “hymn” or religious ode (one of the Psalms).


spiritual - G4152 - From G4151; non-carnal, that is, (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious.


songs - G5603 - From G103; a chant or “ode” (the general term for any words sung; while G5215 denotes especially a religious metrical composition, and G5568 still more specifically a Hebrew cantillation.


In our fellowship we sing the Psalms, Sacred Harp and Hymns, and occasionally a praise chorus.  Gill would seem to equate Psalms and Hymns as one and the same, while placing spiritual songs in the category of made by men inspired by the Holy Ghost.  If you would like more information on sacred harp:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_Harp