Psalms 149 WEB
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 Yahweh! Sing to Yahweh a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.
2Let Israel rejoice in him who made them. Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
3Let them praise his name in the dance! Let them sing praises to him with tambourine and harp!
4For Yahweh takes pleasure in his people. He crowns the humble with salvation.
5Let the saints rejoice in honor. Let them sing for joy on their beds.
6May the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a two-edged sword in their hand,
7to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples;
8to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;
9to execute on them the written judgment. All his saints have this honor. Praise Yah!
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