Psalm 149

Praise for God’s Goodness to Israel

1 Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful. 2 Let Israel be glad in its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. 3 Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre. 4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with victory. 5 Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their couches. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, 7 to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, 8 to bind their kings with fetters and their nobles with chains of iron, 9 to execute on them the judgment decreed. This is glory for all his faithful ones. Praise the Lord!

It is plain to see the psalmist encourages us to praise God everywhere and always, even on our couches. We got used to that during COVID, didn’t we?

Verse 4 is a powerful verse – “the Lord takes pleasure in his people.” God delights in you and me.

Here is the Message version of today’s psalm:

1-4 Hallelujah! Sing to God a brand-new song, praise him in the company of all who love him. Let all Israel celebrate their Sovereign Creator, Zion’s children exult in their King. Let them praise his name in dance; strike up the band and make great music! And why? Because God delights in his people, adorns plain folk with salvation garlands!

5-9 Let true lovers break out in praise, sing out from wherever they’re sitting, Shout the high praises of God, brandish their swords in the wild sword-dance— A portent of vengeance on the God-defying nations, a signal that punishment’s coming, Their kings chained and hauled off to jail, their leaders behind bars for good, The judgment on them carried out to the letter —and all who love God in the seat of honor! Hallelujah!

Here is a song version of today’s psalm: https://youtu.be/EAZCXlCPUSc

Let us pray: Almighty and ever-living God, we worship you and praise your holy name. May the words and songs of praise be on our lips and in our hearts night and day! We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen