BibleProject Podcast Summary: "Passover Psalms at the Last Supper"
Release Date: March 24, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "Passover Psalms at the Last Supper," the BibleProject Podcast delves into the rich tapestry of the Passover Hallel—Psalms 113 through 118—and explores its profound significance during the Last Supper of Jesus. Hosts John and Tim engage in an in-depth conversation, weaving together themes from the Exodus narrative, liturgical practices, and New Testament accounts to illuminate the theological connections that underscore the unified story of the Bible.
Understanding the Exodus Way
John opens the discussion by breaking down the Exodus story into three pivotal stages: the road out (deliverance from slavery in Egypt), the road between (journey through the wilderness), and the road in (entrance into the Promised Land). He states:
"[00:04] John: This is John from bibleproject. Today Tim and I continue our discussion on the Exodus way. The Exodus story has three stages. We've been calling them the road out, the road between and the road in."
Tim echoes this framework, emphasizing the deliverance aspect through the plagues and the night of Passover:
"[00:30] Tim: So created 10 times over through the plagues. And so there's a deliverance out of Egypt on the night of Passover. That's what we've been calling the road out."
The Significance of Passover Hallel
The conversation transitions to the Passover Hallel, a collection of Psalms (113-118) traditionally sung during the Passover meal by Israelites to commemorate their liberation from Egypt. John highlights its enduring relevance:
"[00:39] John: Now, every year Israelites celebrate the night they were rescued out of Egypt by having a Passover meal. And during this meal it's customary to sing Psalms 113 through 118. This is called the Passover Hallel."
Tim invites listeners to imagine themselves as disciples of Jesus, singing these Psalms on the night of Passover in Jerusalem:
"[01:03] Tim: So let's put ourselves in that mindset too. What would it be like to be Jesus disciples on that fateful night singing through these poems?"
Passage Through the Psalms
The hosts embark on a detailed exploration of each Psalm within the Hallel, uncovering layers of meaning and their connection to both Old and New Testament themes.
Psalm 113: Praising Yahweh and His Deliverance
John and Tim dissect Psalm 113, which begins with an invitation to praise Yahweh:
"[06:29] Tim: 'Praise Yahweh.' What's funny is that in English, I think 'Hallelujah' has become the praise. It's the thing you say when you are praising God."
They discuss the Psalm's themes of Yahweh's exaltation above all nations and His humility in uplifting the poor and needy:
"[08:00] Tim: He looks down from his heavenly vantage and he really is invested in the things happening here on earth."
John summarizes the Psalm’s essence:
"[13:22] John: This poem frames the theme then for me simply as God humbling himself with the poor or the nothing, or the kind of inconsequential, and then desiring to rescue into this place of prominence."
Psalm 114: From Slavery to Sovereignty
Moving to Psalm 114, the discussion centers on Israel's transition from Egyptian bondage to their establishment in the Promised Land:
"[16:21] John: So it's referring to the deliverance at the Sea of Reeds."
They draw parallels between the crossing of the Red Sea and the Jordan River, emphasizing Yahweh's mastery over creation:
"[19:20] John: So whatever the obstacle is on the land, from the lowest to the highest, like God is going to bring you through."
Psalm 115: Contrasting Yahweh with Idols
Although briefly touched upon, Psalm 115 serves to contrast Yahweh's sovereignty with the impotence of idols:
"[21:14] Tim: It's a call for the nations to praise because of the loyal love he's shown to us."
Psalms 116-118: Personal and Communal Deliverance
Tim delves into Psalms 116 through 118, highlighting their roles in both personal and collective expressions of gratitude and praise:
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Psalm 116 focuses on individual deliverance:
"[26:16] John: So this one doesn't start with 'Praise Yahweh'."
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Psalm 117 is acknowledged as the shortest Psalm, extending the call to all nations:
"[27:12] Tim: 'Praise Yahweh. Hallelujah, all you nations.'"
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Psalm 118 echoes the themes of deliverance and thanksgiving, drawing directly from the Song of the Sea in Exodus 15:
"[29:12] Tim: Not ultimately. So Psalm 118 is... giving thanks to Yahweh, for he is good. His loyal love is forever."
Connecting to the Last Supper and Jesus's Final Moments
A pivotal segment of the episode links the Passover Hallel to the Last Supper, suggesting that Jesus and His disciples likely sang these Psalms on that significant night. Tim references Gospel accounts to underscore this connection:
"[02:45] Tim: Mark 14:26, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives."
John reflects on the personal connection this creates between listeners and the historical moment:
"[31:09] John: It allows us to connect to Jesus and his disciples in that moment in a new way, to think about the poems that they were singing and imagining as they were experiencing and thinking about Jesus."
Theological Insights and Conclusions
Throughout the episode, John and Tim emphasize the enduring power of the Exodus narrative as a lens through which individuals and communities can interpret their own experiences of deliverance and faith. They argue that the Passover Hallel not only commemorates historical events but also serves as a template for understanding personal and collective journeys toward liberation and divine partnership.
Tim encapsulates this by stating:
"[30:15] Tim: These six psalms, they are shaping generation after generation at Passover. To imagine the year that I just went through, everything I just experienced in my life... can be reframed as our own Exodus journey, individually and corporately."
In closing, the hosts hint at upcoming episodes that will further explore the intersection of the Exodus narrative and the life of Jesus, promising a deeper exploration of how these ancient texts continue to resonate within modern faith experiences.
Conclusion
"Passover Psalms at the Last Supper" offers listeners a profound exploration of the Passover Hallel, intertwining historical context with theological reflection. By examining Psalms 113-118, John and Tim illuminate the enduring legacy of the Exodus story and its embodiment in the Last Supper, inviting believers to view their own lives through the transformative lens of divine deliverance and covenant relationship.
This summary captures the essence and key discussions of the BibleProject Podcast episode, including direct quotes with timestamps for reference. For a deeper understanding and full context, listening to the complete episode is highly recommended.