Daily Devotional | Sing Hallelujah!

We often sing and say “hallelujah” (or “praise the Lord”) as Christians. But where is this found in the Bible? In the New Testament, hallelujah is used in only one place, Revelation 19. The four separate times it occurs there give us insight into why we ought to use “hallelujah,” not just in conversations but also in our songs.

In Revelation 19, a great multitude roars “hallelujah,” giving praise and glory to God (v. 1). We are given the reason why: “for true and just are his judgments” (v. 2). We sing hallelujah not only because our God judges with truth and justice, but also because He is coming again to judge the earth and bring vengeance for the blood of His servants (v. 2). This is in reference to the “great prostitute” Babylon, with whom the kings of the earth commit adultery (Rev. 18:9), the one who is drunk with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus (Rev. 17:6). God will judge her, and the nations and smoke will go up from her forever (Rev. 19:3, Isa. 34:10). At that time the multitude will cry “hallelujah” the second time. As the elders and living creatures proclaim “amen” we hear the third “hallelujah” (v. 4). A voice from the throne calls all those who fear the Lord to praise Him, a call to praise and worship Him in reverence and awe.

The final “hallelujah” culminates with a marriage. We sing hallelujah because our God reigns (v. 6) and we, the church, are His bride (Eph. 5:23). On that day we will be made ready (v. 7). This is also our call to get ready now, asking God to continually purify us, His church, as we worship in longing for that glorious wedding day when we will be singing an eternal song. May we make ourselves ready, for Jesus says, “Yes, I am coming soon” (Rev. 22:20).

Go Deeper

What is the significance of “hallelujah” in Revelation 19? Why is this word so closely connected to Christ’s return?

Pray with Us: Today, as we study Revelation 19, we join with the great multitude singing “Hallelujah!” Worthy is the Lamb that was slain! Thank you for the cross, Lord!

BY Brian Lee

Dr. Brian Lee is a professor of Music at Moody Bible Institute. He serves in music ministry at Maranatha Bible Church in Chicago and is an active classical pianist as a soloist and chamber musician. He earned a doctorate from The Juilliard School and has been invited as a guest artist, adjudicator, masterclass teacher at many institutions, competitions, and festivals. He and his wife, Helen, are the parents of three sons.