Reflections on Psalm 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!
   

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The speculation concerning the setting for this psalm is rather scattered. The various thoughts include it being set at the time David established his kingdom, Or that it was at the re-establishment of Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. There are some who place it during the time of the Maccabees, and still others who think it looks into the future and the establishment of the kingdom of the Messiah. Whatever the setting or occasion, it speaks of singing a new song which suggests a new day has arrived in the life of the psalmist and his people. That could be any one of the occasions mentioned above. The question I must ask of myself is if my inclination is to give God praise when I celebrate a new day in my life? Supposing my life has taken on a new dimension, hope and expectation of greater things lifts my spirits. But do I give God credit or pat myself on the back for bringing to pass this new day through my own abilities? The psalmist credited God and encouraged all Israel to do the same for the new prosperity they enjoyed.

Does God take notice of our circumstances whether good or bad? A resounding 'Yes.' He takes notice and gets pleasure from it (verse 4). But if God should be credited with bringing about our good circumstances, it is unnecessary even to ask if He notices. Of course He notices. The assumption of the psalmist is that God is intimately involved in our lives bringing about the good and helping us through the bad. Verse 4 places a qualifier on this, though. It tells us God adorns the 'humble' with salvation, a reference to those who humble themselves before the Lord. These are those who recognize God's reign in their lives and submit themselves to His reign. They also recognize God's hand in every aspect of their lives and give Him praise for the good He brings to pass.

Another group is referenced in the last verses, however. They contrast those just described. They are the enemy of the humble and their God. The psalmist seeks judgment for this group. It is a judgment that has already been "decreed against them." Those who humble themselves before the Lord and give Him honor are incensed by those who snub Him and act as if there is no God. How can they be so cavalier toward their Maker who gives them all that they have? The honor of carrying out God's judgment on this group is reserved for "His godly people," says the psalmist. Whatever the setting for the first part of this psalm, this last part leads me to place it at the time of the Messiah's reign.