Psalm 149 — Sing to the Lord a New Song
Introduction: The time to sing a new song for the called out children of God has been previewed more than once in the history recorded in scripture. There will be a final time for that to be an everlasting joy when all saints are gathered together when the Lord makes all things new! This psalm presents a format that has been available for centuries to direct the thoughts of the saints to have the joy of a new song continually replaying from within their hearts.
NOTE: Scripture passages are from the American King James Version.
A — Sing to the Lord a New Song
Psalm 149 “1 Praise you the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. 2 Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. 3 Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises to him with the tambourine and harp.”
Comments: When Moses led Israel out of Egypt, Miriam led all the women with tambourines and dancing: Exodus 15:20–21 “Sing you to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider has he thrown into the sea.” A new song was also available to Gentiles even in Old Testament times. Psalm 96:1–3 “O sing to the LORD a new song: sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless his name; show forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.” Saints have good reason to rejoice as the one who made them is also their everlasting king. Psalm 47:6–7 “Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth.” All of God’s saints now wait for his return; and the second coming of our God and king for all of his chosen ones is just as certain as was the first coming. Revelation 11:15 “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.”
B — The Lord Will Beautify the Meek with Salvation
Psalm 149 “4 For the LORD takes pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. 5 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud on their beds.”
Comments: It is because the Lord takes pleasure in his people that he beautifies (makes very pleasant, adorns, crowns) the meek (those who are humble, patient, gentle) with his salvation. The Lord’s guidance and teaching is reserved for the meek. Psalm 25:9 “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.” Moses and Jesus were both described as meek. Numbers 12:3 “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were on the face of the earth.” Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke on you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest to your souls.” 1 Peter 3:4 “The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit… is in the sight of God of great price.” We should endeavor to direct our thoughts to praise the Lord when we lie down to sleep, and when we first awake. Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for you have created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created.”
C — The Honor to Execute Judgment
Psalm 149 “6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; 7 To execute vengeance on the heathen, and punishments on the people; 8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute on them the judgment written: this honor have all his saints. Praise you the LORD.”
Comments: When Israel was faithfully following the Lord, they had decisive victory over those in the Promised Land who were condemned by God (Deuteronomy 7:1–6). But Israel became more and more ensnared by the gods of the land over the centuries, and their own kings became the ones bound with fetters. The passage may have metaphoric application that the word of God openly displayed in the lives of the saints will bring condemnation like chains upon the unbelievers. Isaiah 11:4 foretells that the Branch of righteousness “shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.” Paul wrote about the time when the Lord will bring vengeance upon the ungodly. 2 Thessalonians 1:9–10 “Who will pay the penalty: eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes to be glorified in his saints.” The sword of the Spirit is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). Hebrews 4:12 “The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword.” Revelation 1:16 “Out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword.”
Reflections in Prayer
Just as this psalm enjoins the people of Israel to praise the Lord with new song in the congregation of the saints, I want to participate in the renewed praise offered to you Lord anytime I am gathered with other believers in a congregation for worship. You are my maker and my ultimate and eternal king, and knowing that you have chosen me as one of your own gives me reason to rejoice greatly. Even though I may not have inherent musical talent, I can have the song within my heart, and I can thoroughly enjoy the instrumental music and singing of those who have such gifts with which to offer praise. May I always remember that as I present myself before you as meek, humble, patient, and gentle; you will beautify me by the adorning and crowning of your Spirit as it pleases you. May this cause me to be joyful when I lie down and when I rise up. Hallelujah, come quickly Lord Jesus! Amen.
Published 26 August 2012