PSALM 149

Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, [And] His praise in the assembly of saints. 2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. 3 Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. 4 For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. 5 Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds. 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 nations, And punishments on the peoples; 8 To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute on them the written judgment–This honor have all His saints. Praise the LORD!

PSALM 149:1-9

THE LORD TAKES PLEASURE IN HIS PEOPLE

It is right and good to praise the LORD. Isn’t that what we have been saying all these days! In moments when things are right and fair, He is worthy of praise. In the thick of being taunted by those who hate God and we suffer wicked injustices, even then He is still worthy of praise. When I feel alone, He is worthy of Praise. When I have been betrayed. He is worthy of praise. When it seems like the wicked prosper, He is worthy of praise.

And now we get a glorious look forward to a people saved by grace, riding forward with their savior into battle. For ancient Israel, this was the slaying of the wicked nations that had set their heart against God and his people. For the church, Timothy Keller has commented that the sword we carry is the gospel. As we look forward to the return of Christ I couldn’t help but see the picture of Revelation 19 (it’s a good exercise to read the Psalms and Revelation together).

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes [were] like a flame of fire, and on His head [were] many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He [was] clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on [His] robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Revelation 19:11-16

PRAYER

Father, Thank you for your incredible mercy and grace! You are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory! We look forward to the day when you return to dwell with your people. We long for the moment when you usher in the New Heaven and the New Earth! We look forward with anticipation of your grace, greatness, and glory. Even now come quickly! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.