Psalms 149 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

Psalm 149

Sing to the Lord a New Song

149:1   Praise the LORD!
  Sing to the LORD a new song,
    his praise in the assembly of the godly!
2   Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
    let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
3   Let them praise his name with dancing,
    making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
4   For the LORD takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.
5   Let the godly exult in glory;
    let them sing for joy on their beds.
6   Let the high praises of God be in their throats
    and two-edged swords in their hands,
7   to execute vengeance on the nations
    and punishments on the peoples,
8   to bind their kings with chains
    and their nobles with fetters of iron,
9   to execute on them the judgment written!
    This is honor for all his godly ones.
  Praise the LORD!

Commentary

Praise to God from His people.

v1-4: The people of God are called to praise Him; they join together to sing a new song. They are described as the assembly of the saints, Israel, the people of Zion, His people, the humble. There is exuberant praise, with music and dancing.

v5: This praise to God is characterised by joy, and His people are full of joy. Even on their beds they sing. Since God delights in His people (v4); no wonder we respond with joy!

v6-9: See Ps 2.8-9; the authority of God is given to His people; the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of His Christ. Israel will share in the 1000 year reign, and will execute authority and judgment; this honour is for all His saints.