30 “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” (Matthew 26:30 ESV)
26 “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” (Mark 14:26 ESV)
Somewhat obscured in the dialogue concerning the disciples’ denial and desertion of Jesus was their singing and subsequent journey to the Mount of Olives. Both Matthew and Mark record Jesus and disciples singing a hymn. The Greek word for hymn (ὑμνέω; hymneo) means to sing a song of praise. In other words, to sing praises, certainly in some contexts, from the psalms of the Jewish Scripture (Matt. 26:30; Mark 14:26; Ac 16:25; Heb. 2:12).
“When they had hymned,” says the original. Since, as has been shown, the Lord’s Supper was the natural outgrowth of the Passover, it is probable that the hymns of praise that were lifted up to God were Pss. 115–118,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.
“Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! 2 For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 117 (ESV)
“Jesus and His disciples have finished the Passover meal, and today’s passage opens with their singing of a hymn (v. 30), most likely the second part of the Hallel (Pss. 114–118 or Pss. 115–118). Interestingly, one scholar says the disciples probably looked back on their singing with new insight after the resurrection. After all, Christ triumphs in His death and resurrection (Pss. 118:10, 22), establishing a foundation for proclaiming the praise of Yahweh to the nations (117:1),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
“These are songs of praise, thanksgiving, and trust, as anyone can see by reading them. They not only constituted a fitting conclusion to the blessings enjoyed but also a most appropriate preparation for the ordeal that was about to begin,” states Dr. Hendriksen.
Jesus and his disciples, no longer twelve but eleven, then went to the Mount of Olives. They crossed the Kedron Valley and entered the Gethsemane grove, located at the foot of that mountain. See 26:36; cf. John 18:1.
The singing of praise preceded the perils to follow. Perhaps our singing of praise to the Lord throughout the week, and on the Lord’s Day, prepares us for the perils we face, and will face, in the days ahead. Have a blessed, and praise filled, day.
Sing to the King Who is coming to reign
Glory to Jesus, the Lamb that was slain
Life and salvation His Empire shall bring
And joy to the nations when Jesus is King.
Chorus
Come, let us sing a song
A song declaring that we belong to Jesus
He is all we need
Lift up a heart of praise
Sing now with voices raised to Jesus
Sing to the King.
For His returning we watch and we pray
We will be ready the dawn of that day
We’ll join in singing with all the redeemed
‘Cause Satan is vanquished and my Jesus is King.—Billy & Cindy Foote
Chorus
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 