Sing to the Lord a New Song

Psa 149:1  Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.

Psa 149:2  Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

Psa 149:3  Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

Psa 149:4  For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

Psa 149:5  Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.

Psa 149:6  Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand;

Psa 149:7  To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;

Psa 149:8  To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;

Psa 149:9  To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.

e-Sword

Psalms 149:1—150:6

THE PRAISE-SONGS OF GOD’S PEOPLE

Israel was formed into a nation and delivered from Babylon, that her singers should lead the praises of mankind, and her teachers provide the metaphors and phrases for the world’s religious nurture. “This people have I made for myself,” said the Most High, “that they might show forth my praise.” Is it not also our Christian duty to be joyful in our King? Our religious life has not enough ecstasy and gladness in it to attract the world, which is sad enough beneath its outward gaiety.

A worthy close to the Psalter. Ten times the summons to praise rings out, and ten is the number of perfection. Think of the tears and groans, the questionings and perplexities, the feeble faith and disappointed aspiration, that have preceded! Now it all finishes thus! So life will finish! Our Misereres will be forgotten in the outbursting Jubilates . The first three books of the Psalter end with Amen and Amen, the firm expression of faith. The fourth book with Amen, Hallelujah, as though faith were beginning to be lost in glad realization. But here, at the end of all, there is one abounding and unhesitating Hallelujah!