Context: Called the “Great Hallel” meaning “Great Praise”.
Historically, sung at Sabbath morning services, at festival gatherings, and the last day of Passover. This Great Hallel is partially referenced in 2 Chr 5:13, 7:3 when Solomon is dedicating the first temple. The Levites [Descendants of United with] and people are praising God, God’s manifest glory comes down and covers the temple in cloud 2 Chr 5:11-6:2. Also referenced in Ezra 3:11, when rebuilding of second temple at the laying of the foundation stone, some who recall the first dedication are crying, others are cheering Ezra 3:8-13.
Summary: Praise God, Sovereign Ruler over the earth, the nations, and the heavens. Context Reference Ps 136 (v5) Gen 1:6-8; (v7) Gen 1:14-19; (v10) Ex 11; (v11) Ex 12:40-41; (v12-15) Ex 14 (v16) Num 9:15-23; (v17-18) Deut 2-3; (v19-20) Deut 2:26-3:3; (v21-22) Gen 28:10-22; (v23) Ex 3; 6:6-7
Historically, recited antiphonally with the Levites [Descendants of United with] and the People. This means performed by two semi-independent choirs in interaction, often by singing alternate musical phrases.
1 Hodu la-Yahweh ki'-tov ·Give thanks to Adonai for he is good·, and yadah ·extend hands in thankful praise·;
ki' li-olam chas'do ·for his loving-kindness endures forever·.
2 Yadah ·Extend hands in thankful praise· to the God of deities;
for his cheshed ·loving-kindness· endures forever.
3 Yadah ·Extend hands in thankful praise· to the Lord of lords;
for his faithful love endures forever:
4To him who alone does great wonders;
for his steadfast love endures forever:
5To him who by understanding made the heavens;
for his loving kindness is everlasting:
6To him who spread out the earth above the waters;
for his loyal love endures forever:
7To him who made the great lights;
for his mercies are to eternity:
8The sun to rule by day;
for his gracious love is everlasting;
9The moon and stars to rule by night;
for his mercy continues forever:
10To him who struck down the Egyptian [person from Abode of slavery] firstborn;
for his grace endures forever;
11And brought out Israel [God prevails] from among them;
for his loyal devotion endures forever;
12With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm;
for his covenant ·binding contract between two or more parties· loyalty endures forever:
13To him who divided the Sea of Suf [Reed Sea] apart;
ki' li-olam chas'do ·for his loving-kindness endures forever·.
14And made Israel [God prevails] to pass through the middle of it;
for his cheshed ·loving-kindness· endures forever.
15But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Sea of Suf [Reed Sea];
for his faithful love endures forever:
16To him who led his people through the wilderness;
for his steadfast love endures forever:
17To him who struck great kings;
for his loving kindness is everlasting:
18And killed mighty kings;
for his loyal love endures forever:
19Sihon king of the Amorites [Descendants of Talkers];
for his mercies are to eternity:
20Og king of Bashan;
for his gracious love is everlasting;
21And gave their land as an inheritance;
for his mercy continues forever:
22Even a heritage to Israel [God prevails] his servant;
for his grace endures forever;
23Who remembered us in our low estate;
for his loyal devotion endures forever;
24And has delivered us from our adversaries;
for his loving kindness endures forever:
25Who gives food to every creature;
for his cheshed ·loving-kindness· endures forever.
26Oh yadah ·extend hands in thankful praise· to the God of heaven;
ki' li-olam chas'do ·for his loving-kindness endures forever·.