Psalms 149

King James Version

Full text for Psalms Chapter 149

1¶ Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise in the congregation of saints.

2Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

3Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

4For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

5Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.

6¶ [Let] the high [praises] of God [be] in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand;

7To execute vengeance upon the heathen, [and] punishments upon the people;

8To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;

9To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Psalms 149 calls upon Israel and the saints to praise the LORD with new songs, rejoicing in their Maker and King with dance, timbrel, and harp. God takes pleasure in His people and beautifies the meek with salvation, leading the saints to joyful worship. Furthermore, the psalm describes the saints as having God's praises in their mouths and a twoedged sword in their hands, prepared to execute divine judgment and vengeance upon the heathen. This honor of fulfilling written judgment is bestowed upon all His saints.

Medium Summary

The psalm begins with an exhortation for the congregation of saints to sing a new song of praise to the LORD. Israel is called to rejoice in their Creator, and the children of Zion in their King, expressing their joy through dance, timbrel, and harp. This fervent worship is justified by the LORD's pleasure in His people and His promise to adorn the meek with salvation. The saints are encouraged to be joyful in glory, even singing aloud in their private moments. A striking image is presented where the saints are depicted with the high praises of God in their mouths, yet also with a twoedged sword in their hands. This dual role is for executing vengeance and punishments upon the heathen, specifically binding their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron. The psalm concludes by stating that this act of executing the judgment written is an honor granted to all His saints.

Long Summary

Psalms 149 opens with an urgent call for the people of God to "Praise ye the LORD" and to "Sing unto the LORD a new song" within the assembly of saints. The psalmist specifically directs Israel to "rejoice in him that made him" and the "children of Zion" to be "joyful in their King." This praise is to be expressed with vibrant physical and musical elements, including "dance," "timbrel," and "harp." The foundation for such exuberant worship is revealed in verse 4, where it states that "the LORD taketh pleasure in his people" and "he will beautify the meek with salvation." Consequently, the saints are encouraged to find "joyful in glory" and to "sing aloud upon their beds," indicating a pervasive and personal devotion. A significant shift occurs in the latter half of the psalm, presenting the saints with a dual mandate. While their mouths are filled with "the high praises of God," their hands are equipped with "a twoedged sword." This imagery signifies their active participation in divine justice. Their purpose is "To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people," specifically by "To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron." This action is described as the execution of "the judgment written," implying a preordained divine decree. The psalm concludes by affirming that "this honour have all his saints," underscoring the privileged role of God's people in fulfilling His righteous judgments, culminating again with the command, "Praise ye the LORD."

Core Concepts

  • New Song of PraiseThe psalm begins by exhorting the congregation of saints to sing a "new song" to the LORD, signifying fresh and fervent worship in response to God's ongoing acts of grace and power.
  • Rejoicing in God as King and MakerIsrael is called to rejoice in the LORD as their Creator, "him that made him," while the children of Zion are to be joyful in Him as their sovereign "King." This highlights God's dual role as the source of their existence and their ultimate ruler.
  • God's Pleasure in His PeopleA core motivation for praise is that "the LORD taketh pleasure in his people," demonstrating His affectionate regard and delight in them. He also promises to "beautify the meek with salvation," indicating His transformative grace.
  • Saints as Agents of Divine JudgmentThe psalm portrays the saints with "high praises of God" in their mouth and a "twoedged sword" in their hand, indicating their role in executing God's righteous judgment. This involves bringing vengeance and punishment upon the heathen.
  • Execution of Written JudgmentThe saints are tasked "To execute upon them the judgment written," implying a preordained divine decree against the nations. This includes binding their kings with chains and nobles with fetters of iron, symbolizing their subjugation.
  • Honour for the SaintsThe psalm concludes by declaring that the role of executing divine judgment is an "honour" bestowed upon all His saints. This signifies a privileged and dignified participation in God's redemptive and judicial plan.