Thousands of years ago, the sages created a top ten song list of the important songs recited in the Tanach (Bible). Straight from the Midrashic collection of the Mechilta of Rabbi Ishmael Shirata 1:5, here is the Rabbis’ top ten:

1: “Passover Rock*” – According to the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 30:29) the Israelites sang a song on the night of the first Passover in Egypt.

2: “Song of the Sea” (Shirat Ha’yam) – The song of Moses and the Children of Israel after experiencing the miracle of the splitting of the sea (Exodus 15).

3: “Spring Up, Oh Well”- The song of the Israelites at the well in the Wilderness (Numbers 21:17).

4: “The Deuteronomy Review*” – The words of Moses to the Israelites recorded in the Book of Deuteronomy are referred to as a song in Deuteronomy 31:30.

5: “Stop Oh Sun and Moon*” – The sages considered Joshua’s words to God after conquering the Amorites as a song (Joshua 10:12).

6: “The Duet of Deborah and Barak*” – Judges 5:1 reports that upon their victory over the Canaanite General Sisera, the prophetess and the general sang in praise of God.

7: “David’s Song*” – While King David came to be known for a great many songs (most of the Book of Psalms), his song in Samuel II 22:1, which praises God for delivering him from the hands of his enemies, is singled out.

8: “A song at the Dedication of the House of David” – Printed in the Book of Psalms (Chapter 30), King Solomon recited this song upon the completion of the Temple in Jerusalem.

9: “Give Thanks to the Lord, for His Mercy Endures for Ever” – King Jehoshaphat commanded the people of Judah to sing this song as preparation for battle against the army of Ammon and Moab (Chronicles II 20:21).

10: “A New Song*” – This is the unsung song that the Jews will recite in the time of the final redemption as predicted in both Isaiah 42:10 and Psalms 149:1.

*Names created by Jewish Treats.

Copyright © 2010 National Jewish Outreach Program. All rights reserved.