Monday, July 28, 2014

Reflections on Psalms 149

 Psalms 149(Contemporary English Version)
  1. Shout praises to the LORD! Sing him a new song of praise when his loyal people meet.
  2. People of Israel, rejoice because of your Creator. People of Zion, celebrate because of your King.
  3. Praise his name by dancing and playing music on harps and tambourines.
  4. The LORD is pleased with his people, and he gives victory to those who are humble.
  5. All of you faithful people, praise our glorious Lord! Celebrate and worship.
  6. Praise God with songs on your lips and a sword in your hand.
  7. Take revenge and punish the nations.
  8. Put chains of iron on their kings and rulers.
  9. Punish them as they deserve; this is the privilege of God's faithful people. Shout praises to the LORD!

Israel is called upon to sing a new song to the Lord. It's as if this is a renewal of commitment to the Lord possibly brought about by a momentous occasion. It is not only a renewed desire to give praise to the Lord, who is their Maker and King, but a desire to be identified as His people. This identity as His people prompts them to be the Lord's instruments of judgment on those whom God has decreed judgment.

Often in the psalms praise is motivated by something the Lord has done for the psalmist and those he may call to join him in giving praise. Often it is because the Lord has answered prayer or delivered them from their enemies. Praise on this occasion, however, is simply because the Lord is their Maker and King and the people take pleasure in knowing that God takes pleasure in His people. They triumph in being God's people.

Then, as if with renewed vigor, they turn from their worship to serve the Lord. In a New Testament context this service might be directed more positively, but in this context it is inflicting bengeance and judgment on the nations to whom God has decreed judgment.

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