Become New with John Ortberg 10. What Handel Saw When He Wrote “Hallelujah”
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Dec 12, 2025 Discover the fascinating tale behind Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, where the word 'hallelujah' appears 48 times, infused with profound meaning. Hear about Handel’s struggles with health and debt as he crafted a 260-page masterpiece in just 24 days. Explore the deeper significance of hallelujah rooted in its Hebrew origins and how it calls us to joyful praise. John shares inspiring anecdotes that highlight the beauty of imperfect praise and invites listeners to embrace a life filled with exuberance and gratitude.
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The Power Of One Repeated Word
- The word "hallelujah" appears 48 times in Handel's chorus and retains power through repetition.
- John Ortberg notes its Hebrew origin and emotional pull that keeps it from losing meaning.
Handel's Crisis Turned Commission
- Handel faced collapsing health and financial ruin before receiving a fundraising commission.
- The commission to help orphans and prisoners inspired him to write the Messiah oratorio.
A 24-Day Creative Frenzy
- Handel wrote the 260-page Messiah in 24 days, driven by inspiration.
- He later said, "I did think I saw the heavens open and saw the very face of God."
