Book 5 of 5 · Parallels Sefer Devarim
Fifth Book of Tehilim
Chapters 107-150.
Book 5 is the longest: 44 chapters, from 107 to the closing chapter of the entire Sefer Tehilim, chapter 150. It contains the Hallel HaMitzri (chapters 113-118) said on every Yom Tov, the Shir HaMaalot (120-134) recited after Birkat HaMazon on weekdays, and the longest chapter in all of Tanach, chapter 119.
Chapter 119 is a literary masterwork: 176 verses, organized into 22 groups of 8 verses each, every group opening with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Every verse speaks of the Torah of Hashem, His mitzvot, His testimonies. It's the chapter recited at funerals, the verses chosen by the deceased's name.
The book closes with the six Hallelukah psalms (145-150). Chapter 145 is "Ashrei", said three times daily, and chapter 150 ("Hallelu Kel b'kodsho") is the brief, breathless summary of all of Tehilim: praise to Hashem in shofar blast and every musical instrument. It parallels Sefer Devarim, the closing book of the Torah.
Notable chapters in Book 5
- 107 Hodu LaShem Ki Tov
Said after emerging from any of four kinds of danger (sea, desert, illness, captivity).
- 113 Hallel HaMitzri
Beginning of Hallel. Said on every Yom Tov.
- 119 The Aleph-Bet Psalm
The longest chapter in Tanach. 176 verses on the Torah of Hashem.
- 121 Esa Einai
Said before travel. One of the most-recited psalms.
- 130 Mimaamakim
The deep teshuvah psalm. Said during Aseret Yemei Teshuva.
- 145 Ashrei
Said three times daily. Core of personal prayer.
- 150 Hallelu Kel B'Kodsho
The closing psalm. Summary of all of Tehilim, calling every soul to praise.
All chapters in Book 5
Chapters 107-150. Tap a chapter to read.
Frequently asked questions
Why is chapter 119 so long?
Chapter 119 is a structured literary work: 22 sections (matching the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet), each section consisting of 8 verses that all begin with the same letter. Total: 176 verses. It focuses entirely on Torah values: testimonies, statutes, mitzvot. Many recite it at funerals, choosing verses corresponding to the deceased's name.
What is Hallel HaMitzri?
Chapters 113-118, six chapters together, are called "Hallel HaMitzri" because chapter 114 opens with "B'tzeit Yisrael miMitzrayim" (Israel's Exodus from Egypt). They're recited on every Yom Tov: Rosh Chodesh, Chanukah, Pesach (Seder night and the chag itself), Shavuot, and Sukkot (including Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah).
What is Shir HaMaalot?
Chapters 120-134, fifteen chapters titled "Shir HaMaalot" (Song of Ascents). Per tradition, the Levi'im sang them on the fifteen steps in the Beit HaMikdash leading from the Women's Court to the Israelite Court. They're said after Birkat HaMazon on weekdays and at Seudat Shlishit on Shabbat.
Why six Hallelukah psalms at the end?
Chapters 145-150, six chapters that all end with "Hallelukah". They're the grand finale of Tehilim, progressing from personal Hallelukah (145: Ashrei) to universal Hallelukah (150: "kol haneshamah tehallel Yah"). It's a prayer urging all of existence to praise the Creator, and so it serves as the book's closing.