“You are kidding me!”
“No sh–!”
“Get out!”
Every age has its ways of expressing amazement, pleasure, and elation, when the heart can’t contain the joy and wonder of the moment. The phrases above may not be the most elegant of expressions when compared to terms such “Jolly good!” or “Bravo!” and even more so when set against certain Biblical expressions.
For example, the word “Hosanna” is an expression of praise and also a plea for help. It’s what the crowd cries on Palm Sunday as Jesus enters Jerusalem. “Hosanna to the son of David.” Hooray that you are here, and help us, for God’s sake.
However, the Biblical word we most associate with joy is “Hallelujah” (or the Greek version “Alleluia”). “Hallelujah” means “Hail to Yahweh,” “Praise God,” and “Thanks be to God.” It appears as part of our worship services during Easter season and in our Communion services as “Alleluia.”
This coming Sunday, the text is the story of David—the greatest of Israel’s kings, direct ancestor of Jesus – and the beautiful Bathsheba.
One of the most-performed popular songs of all time references this story (and also throws a little bit of Samson and his hair into the tale). But most of all, Leonard Cohen’s classic song is a meditation on the many facets of the word “Hallelujah.”
Of course the classical interpretation of the word rendered in the majestic “Messiah,” written by George Frederick Handel in London in 1742 with its famed Hallelujah Chorus, is certainly one of the most intense, passionate, and soul-shaking outpourings of praise in musical history. There is no ambiguity here, no uncertainty; it is resounding, pounding praise to God.
But what I like about Cohen’s take is its variety. “Hallelujah” is uttered in praise and anguish, in confusion and ecstasy, with puzzlement and power. Cohen says that the attached video is his favorite performance of the song out of hundred of renditions. Hear another version of the tune this Sunday in church
For what do you praise God on this midsummer day? For what do you say “Hallelujah”?
See you in church.
Barbara
