Psalm 149

The unknown writer called on Israel to praise God who saves the submissive and punishes the nations that oppose Him.

 1. A call to rejoice in the Lord 149:1-3

The writer exhorted the Israelites to praise God enthusiastically and wholeheartedly. Their praise should be spontaneous and fresh, the connotations of a "new song"(cf. 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9). They should also praise Him publicly in company with the other godly in the nation. The nation should remember its Maker who formed the family of Abraham into a nation at the Exodus. Dancing and musical instruments were fitting accompaniments for such joyful celebration.

 2. A reason to rejoice in the Lord 149:4-5

The reason for rejoicing and praising is God's care for His people seen in His providing salvation for them. No specific deliverance is in view here. It is salvation in any and every form and occasion that the psalmist wanted to emphasize. Salvation is a theme for exaltation under any circumstance, even when one reclines on his or her bed.

 3. A way to rejoice in the Lord 149:6-9

The Lord's will for Israel was that she overcome and defeat God's enemies on the earth. This would establish righteousness in the world and exalt the God of Israel as the sovereign Lord (cf. Deut. 32:1-6, 23; Josh. 1:1-8). Israel praised and glorified God not just in word but also in deed by carrying out His will for her. These verses may grate on the sensibilities of Christians who have a different way of obeying God today. Nevertheless when the psalmist composed this hymn Israel's destruction of wicked neighbors was her way of expressing obedience to God.

This psalm is a helpful reminder that praising God does not just involve praising Him with our lips. It must also include obeying Him with our lives.