Handel's “The Messiah” – Hallelujah Revelation 19:5-8, 11:15, 19:16, Hallelujah Job 19:25-26, 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, I know that my redeemer liveth – Since by man 1 Corinthians 15:51-57, Behold I tell you – But thanks be to God Romans 8:31-37, If God be for us Revelation 5:11-14, Worthy is the Lamb More of Handel’s “The Messiah” Copyright information, disclaimers, and sponsors Return to homepage

Revelation 19:5-8, 11:15, 19:16, Hallelujah (12/31/12)

“Hallelujah” does not mean “Everybody stand up.” “Hallelu” is Hebrew for “All of you praise!” and “Jah” is one of the Hebrew words meaning “God.” “Alleluia” is Greek (and English) for “Hallelujah.”

Popular belief attributes the custom of standing for the Hallelujah Chorus to the idea that King George II stood when he heard it, and therefore everyone else had to stand as well. According to Wikipedia and its references, however, the first performance was in 1742, and there’s no evidence that he was at that performance, or any other, of “Messiah.” The first written reference to standing was in 1756. In any case, Americans aren’t bound by that rule. So stand or sit, as you will.

Nevertheless, we should certainly say “Hallelujah” for the blessings God gave us in 2012, and may God continue to bless us all in the coming year!

Revelation 19:6 … Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Revelation 11:15 … The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Revelation 19:16 … KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Job 19:25-26, 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, I know that my redeemer liveth – Since by man (1/1/13)

Job had tremendous faith, because he believed without seeing!

Job 19:25 … I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

Job 19:26 And though … worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

1 Corinthians 15:20 [For] now is Christ risen from the dead, … the firstfruits of them that slept.

1 Corinthians 15:21-22 [For] since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15:51-57, Behold I tell you – But thanks be to God (1/2/13)

I really like the International Standard Version’s translation of vs. 51, “Let me tell you a secret.” A mystery in modern America is a problem to be solved; however, a mystery in Greek is a secret, which must be revealed. Paul is saying, in effect, “Here’s what’s going to happen, but don’t ask me to explain how!”

1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I [tell] you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: [for] the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

Romans 8:31-37, If God be for us (1/3/13)

The book of Romans can be very tough sledding in any language, and after looking at several translations, I decided that the Contemporary English Versopm makes Paul’s point in this passage the clearest. (Your church or public library may have the CEV, or you can get it free from e-sword.) It is God’s love alone that saves us, and nothing can separate us from that love.

Romans 8:31 … If God be for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is … at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us.

Revelation 5:11-14, Worthy is the Lamb (1/4/13)

Early in our study of “The Messiah” we saw John identifying Jesus as “the Lamb of God.” We return to that earlier image in this final chorus, which is a rousing song of praise to the Lamb, who was slain but now lives and reigns with God. Amen!

Revelation 5:12 … Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Revelation 5:13 … Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Revelation 5:14 … Amen. ...

More of Handel's “The Messiah” will be coming soon.
Comfort Ye My People
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth
He shall feed His flock
Thy rebuke hath broken His heart
Unto which of the angels
Hallelujah

Copyright 2012 by Regina L. Hunter. All rights reserved. This page has been prepared for the web site by RPB.

Opinions expressed on this page are solely those of the author, Regina Hunter, and may or may not be shared by the sponsors or the Bible-study participants.  Thanks to the Holy Spirit for any useful ideas presented here, and thanks to all the readers for their support and enthusiasm.  All errors are, of course, the sole responsibility of the author.

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