Bible Commentaries
Psalms 149

Verses 1-9

Psalms 149

A Particular Psalm to Israel Scripture v. 1-9:

Let it be recalled that there are two specific kinds of Psalms:
1) The first kind are those specifically, restrictedly, and definitively applying to Israel, who is directly addressed; 2) The second kind are addressed to or concern all people, especially, all the redeemed of all ages, such as Psalms 23; Psalms 33; Psalms 150, the latter two of which specifically admonish and extol the use of mechanical, musical instruments in connection with offering joyous praises, thanksgiving, and worship to the Lord.

Verse 1 calls on the congregation (assembly) of Israel to sing a new song, in public worship and praise, as saints (dedicated ones of God’s order of worship) directly to or before the Lord, Psalms 9:11; Psalms 33:3; Isaiah 42:10; Psalms 35:18. Each has a new song put in his heart and mouth when redeemed, a song of hope, joy, and peace, even as David did, Psalms 40:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Psalms 144:9.

Verse 2 more specifically exhorts, "Let Israel rejoice in him that made him, (made him his’ choice as the Mosaic covenant administrator) Deuteronomy 12:7; He adds, "Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King," of glory, the King of all the earth, even the Messiah who was to come of David’s lineage, Exodus 15:18; Zechariah 9:9; Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 21:5. See also Job 35:10; Acts 16:25; Genesis 49:10; Luke 11:30-33.

Verses 3, 4 call on them to praise the Lord in (with) the dance (or the pipe) a musical instrument of joyful sound, and to sing praises to him with (in harmony with), "the timbrel and harp," adding, "The Lord taketh (continually takes) pleasure in his people," in such praise, Proverbs 11:20; Zephaniah 3:17; declaring "He will beautify the meek (humble) with salvation," or deliverance from oppression, Matthew 5:5; Such musical praise was usual on solemn occasions, Exodus 15:20-21; Psalms 30:11; Jeremiah 31:4; Jeremiah 31:13.

Verses 5, 6 exhort "Let the saints (of Israel’s obedient program of worship and service) be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud upon their beds," where they had repented and afflicted themselves in shame of their former sins, but He had now exalted them, Psalms 85:9; Psalms 112:9; Psalms 148:14; Nehemiah 1:3; Nehemiah 4:4; Nehemiah 4:6; Nehemiah 6:16; Hosea 7:14; Job 35:10; Psalms 42:8. The psalmist adds, "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth (throat) and a two-edged sword in their hand," Psalms 66:17; Nehemiah 4:16-18; Nehemiah 12:31.

Verse 7 explains that with praise of their mouths and the two-edged sword in their hand they were to execute vengeance upon the heathen and punishment upon their idolatrous oppressors, as righteous deeds, Deuteronomy 32:3; Deuteronomy 32:5; Isaiah 13:11. See also Mark 6:20; Acts 24:25; 2 Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:16.

Verse 8 adds, "To bind their (heathen) kings with chains and their nobles (ruling helpers) with fetters of iron," to administer Divine vengeance as prescribed by the law of the Lord, Deuteronomy 32:35; Psalms 105:22; Isaiah 60:11; Judges 16:21; Isaiah 45:14; So shall all kings and nations one day bow before and do homage to Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords, Revelation 21:24.

Verse 9 concludes that this two-edged sword of Divine judgment vengeance of the Lord has already been written (foretold and made available) to warn the wicked, Deuteronomy 7:2; Exodus 6:6. So that they are without excuse, Romans 2:1-2. ft is asserted "this honor (of execution, accompanied with shouts of Hallelujah joy) v.5-7, have all the saints," true covenant people of God, 1) Israel, and 2) the church, enjoying the final "Praise ye the Lord," for victories given, and those awaiting that final hour, Genesis 14:15; Psalms 37:18; Daniel 7:27; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 1 John 5:4; Acts 15:13-15.