Psalms 149

Psalms 149:1

Psalm 149: The High Praises of GodThere are two parts to this Psalm. In the first (vv. 1-6a) the saints are singing. In the second (vv. 6b-9) they are reigning. The time in question is when the Lord Jesus returns to the earth and ushers in His long-awaited kingdom. 149:1-3 The new song which Israel sings is the song of creation, redemption and reign. They rejoice in Jehovah as the Author of their natural and spiritual creation and as their glorious Monarch. They praise Him not only in song but in the dance as well. What is this? Believers dancing? Yes, dancing in holy and pure delight before the Lord. As an expression of true spiritual joy and worship, the dance is acceptable to God. But to use this verse to justify dancing as it is practiced today is something else. There is a difference between the use of the dance and its abuse. The psalmist is only speaking about its divinely sanctioned use. The same is true of instrumental music. If timbrels and harps had emotions, they would all aspire to make melody to the Lord. Too often they are debased to sensual employment. Their proper use is good; their abuse is horrendous. 149:4-6a Why all the fuss, all the jubilant music? Because the LORD takes pleasure in His restored people; He has awarded a garland of victory to the loyal remnant. The Great Tribulation is past, and it is a day of clear shining after rain. The people have much reason to rejoice in the glory which is theirs as they are associated with the King of Glory. They have every reason to raise the rafters with joyful song as they sit on their thrones by day or lie on their beds at night (the word “beds” in verse 5 may refer to either). It is really appropriate that all their vocal chords be filled with the high praises of God. 149:6b-8 As you see, there is an abrupt change in the middle of verse 6. From this point to the end Israel is found in the role of judges, dispensing justice. This may refer to the destruction of her foes at the return of the Messiah. That judgment will be executed by the Lord, but the nation may, in a figure, be thought of as sharing in it. But I rather think it refers to Israel’s role as head of the nations during the Millennium. The Lord Jesus will rule with a rod of iron during that period (Rev_2:27). The apostles will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Mat_19:28). And Israel herself will share in the rule over the Gentiles (Dan_7:22). So the saints have two-edged swords in their hands, administering vengeance and punishments on the peoples whenever necessary. Rebellious kings and their nobles will be bound with chains and fetters of iron. It will be a reign of absolute righteousness, of undeviating justice. 149:9 This is the honored role of Israel in that dayto see that all insubordination and subversion are punished promptly. It is also true that the NT saints will share in the coming reign of Christ. We read about that in 1Co_6:2-3.