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.