Psalms 149 ASV
Summary: A psalm calling for a "new song" of praise accompanied by dance and instruments — "let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp" (v. 3) — because the LORD "taketh pleasure in his people" and beautifies the humble with salvation. Its tone turns militant in the second half, picturing the saints executing judgment on hostile nations and kings with "a twoedged sword in their hand" (v. 6), binding their kings with chains, an image of worship fused with vindication. It closes noting this vengeance is itself "honour... for all his saints" (v. 9).
1Praise ye Jehovah. Sing unto Jehovah a new song, And his praise in the assembly of the saints.
2Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
3Let them praise his name in the dance: Let them sing praises unto him with timbrel and harp.
4For Jehovah taketh pleasure in his people: He will beautify the meek with salvation.
5Let the saints exult in glory: Let them sing for joy upon their beds.
6Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand;
7To execute vengeance upon the nations, And punishments upon the peoples;
8To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron;
9To execute upon them the judgment written: This honor have all his saints. Praise ye Jehovah.
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