The Hallel, a Song of Love and Freedom - A Structural, Rhetorical and Theological Analysis of Psalms 113-118 as a Canonical Unit

In his book, Rebwar Audish Basa follows the canonical exegesis and focuses on a group of Psalms (113-118) which is traditionally known as a unit called "the Hallel" and is used on the major Jewish liturgical feasts. The author examines the hypothesis that Pss 113-118 form a single canonical unit with Ps 118 not only belonging to it but also being the climax of all the psalms of this group. A thorough investigation evaluates the unity of the Hallel and its function and message. The research concludes with the affirmation that the psalms of the Hallel are not put together arbitrarily but with a very precise intention, deep significance and main theological message. Actually, beside the uniqueness of each psalm, Basa affirms the unity of this group and the flow and the development of its themes and ideas. In the last chapter and in the conclusion, some important points regarding the unity of the Hallel are presented together with some of its significant characteristics.

About the author

Rebwar Audish Basa was born in Shaqlawa, Iraq, in1978. He has obtained a bachelor's degree in philosophy and Theology from the Pontifical Babel College in Baghdad and a bachelor's degree in English Language from the University of Baghdad. Consequently, he has obtained a licentiate and doctorate degrees in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute of Rome. He has published some contributions (in Arabic) on the book of Psalms and some other biblical and theological themes. In addition, he has written biographies of two modern martyrs of the modern church in Iraq; Bishop Paulos Faraj Rahho (in Arabic), and Fr. Ragheed Ganni (in Italian). Since 2019 he works as pastor for the Chaldean Catholic communities in NRW, Germany.

Product details

• Authors: Rebwar Audish Basa
• Assisted by: David S. du Toit (Editor), Martin Leuenberger (Editor), Schnocks (Editor), Johannes Schnocks (Editor), Michael Tilly (Editor), David S. du Toit (Editor of the series), Martin Leuenberger (Editor of the series), Johannes Schnocks (Editor of the series), Michael Tilly (Editor of the series)
• Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 10.03.2025
• EAN: 9783525502013
• ISBN: 978-3-525-50201-3
• No. of pages: 272
• Dimensions: 160 mm x 23 mm x 235 mm
• Weight: 561 g
• Illustrations: with 70 Tab.
• Series: Wissenschaftliche Monographien zum Alten und Neuen Testament; Wissenschaftliche Monographien zum Alten AAXOF38
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Christianity; Altes Testament, Exegese, Canonical Approach, Hallel