Psalms 149

Psalms 149:1-9

the Praise-Songs of God’ s People Psalms 149:1-9; Psalms 150:1-6 Israel was formed into a nation and delivered from Babylon, that her singers should lead the praises of mankind, and her teachers provide the metaphors and phrases for the world’ s religious nurture. “ This people have I made for myself,” said the Most High, “ that they might show forth my praise.” Is it not also our Christian duty to be joyful in our King? Our religious life has not enough ecstasy and gladness in it to attract the world, which is sad enough beneath its outward gaiety. Psalms 150:1-6A worthy close to the Psalter. Ten times the summons to praise rings out, and ten is the number of perfection. Think of the tears and groans, the questionings and perplexities, the feeble faith and disappointed aspiration, that have preceded! Now it all finishes thus! So life will finish! Our Misereres will be forgotten in the outbursting Jubilates . The first three books of the Psalter end with Amen and Amen, the firm expression of faith. The fourth book with Amen, Hallelujah, as though faith were beginning to be lost in glad realization. But here, at the end of all, there is one abounding and unhesitating Hallelujah! For Review Questions, see the e-Sword Book Comments.

Sing a new song! This Psalm, like the rest of these closing songs of Hallelujah belongs to the days of Nehemiah and Ezra, when -the long restrained joy of the restored people broke into vigorous manifestation (Ezra 6:22). The praises of the “King” are throughout the theme and substance.

Psalms 149:1. In the congregation We must not sing lonely songs. If for no other purpose, we should frequent the meetings of God’s people, to share the enkindlings of common worship.

Psalms 149:2. Let Israel rejoice! Let Zion be joyful! Our first creation and our second; our making and re-making; our natural and our supernatural life, with all that belongs to them of provision and nourishment–suggest themes of constant praise.

Psalms 149:3. Praise his name! The Kingship of Jesus is a matter not of terror, but of great and abounding joy. We never learn the secret of true gladness till Jesus holds court in our heart, then the joy-bells ring, while the sounds of rejoicing are heard (Psalms 118:15).

Psalms 149:4. He will beautify the meek It is a solemn question with which to close each day, “Art thou pleased with me, O blessed Master!” And this is the one prayer for every morning, “May I walk today so as to please God!” (John 8:29; Colossians 1:10; Hebrews 11:5).

Psalms 149:5. Let the saints be joyful! This may mean either that the saints already enjoy a foretaste of glory–or that they may be glad in anticipation of glory. But, though we devote our nights as well as our days of it, we shall never reach the limits of praise. The nights of the exiles’ grief are exchanged for nights of song (Job 35:10).

Psalms 149:6. In their mouth in their hand While we praise God with our lips, let us never lay aside the sword, but imitate the servants of the good Nehemiah (Nehemiah 4:17-18). Then the devil will be resisted, the flesh crucified and the word vanquished, to the music of unceasing adoration (Ephesians 6:17).

Psalms 149:7. To execute vengeance Not their vengeance, but God’s. But the Divine method of vengeance was also nobly illustrated in the sending of a Pentecost blessing on those who had been the murderers of the Lord (Acts 2:23-33).

Psalms 149:8-9. To bind their kings The law was very stringent in its denunciation of such as refused to acknowledge God (Deuteronomy 7:2; Deuteronomy 32:41). And there is coming a time when He shall put down all rule, and authority and power; for He must reign (1 Corinthians 15:24-25). This Psalm may await the consummation described in Revelation 15:2-3. Then we will sing it, as Israel its song of deliverance on the shore of the Red Sea.