Introduction
Psalm 149: Today’s psalm is a song of praise that emphasizes God’s justice. It speaks of music, praise, and celebration. But it also includes images of punishment. Possibly written after Israel’s return from exile, this psalm offers a prayer for the defeat of Israel’s enemies and the complete restoration of Judah.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 149:1 GNT
Praise the LORD! Sing a new song to the LORD; praise him in the assembly of his faithful people!
Read
149 Praise the Lord!
Sing a new song to the Lord;
praise him in the assembly of his faithful people!
2 Be glad, Israel, because of your Creator;
rejoice, people of Zion, because of your king!
3 Praise his name with dancing;
play drums and harps in praise of him.
4 The Lord takes pleasure in his people;
he honors the humble with victory.
5 Let God’s people rejoice in their triumph
and sing joyfully all night long.
6 Let them shout aloud as they praise God,
with their sharp swords in their hands
7 to defeat the nations
and to punish the peoples;
8 to bind their kings in chains,
their leaders in chains of iron;
9 to punish the nations as God has commanded.
This is the victory of God’s people.
Praise the Lord!
Reflect
Reread verses 6–9. The “swords” symbolize God’s concern for justice. Punishment is to serve the purpose of justice. God gave the king the responsibility for establishing justice on earth (see Romans 13:3–4). But we should note that New Testament writers generally do not speak about the “sword” in terms of vengeance but rather as God’s power at work within us (see 2 Corinthians 10:3–5; Ephesians 6:12–17; Hebrews 4:12). This “power” is God’s Spirit which helps us to be living examples of God’s love. In what ways have you experienced the power of God’s Spirit at work in your life?
Pray
Praise the LORD! Creator God, I sing to you joyfully! Make me an agent of your justice through the mighty power of your Holy Spirit, that I may be a living example of your love. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 150: A concluding doxology.
