Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 26:30

"And when they had sung a hymn, they went out unto the mount of Olives." — Matthew 26:30 (ASV)

The “hymn” normally sung was the last part of the Hallel (Pss 114–18 or 115–18). It was sung antiphonally: Jesus as the leader would sing the lines, and his followers would respond with “Hallelujah!” Parts of it must have been deeply moving to the disciples when after the Resurrection they remembered that Jesus sang words pledging that he would keep his vows (Psalms 116:12–13), ultimately triumph despite rejection (Psalms 118), and call all nations to praise the Lord and his covenant love (Psalms 117).