Psalms 149:1 - Meaning and Application

Here we have the calls given to God’s Israel to praise him. In the previous psalm, all God’s works were stirred up to praise him, but here his saints are especially called to bless him. We should notice who is called to praise God, what spirit should fill that praise, how it should be expressed, and when it should be offered.

Israel in general, the whole body of the church, is called to praise God, and especially the children of Zion, the people who live on God’s holy hill. They are nearer to God than other Israelites, because they have his word and worship close to them. So those who have such privileges are rightly expected to praise him more than others. All true Christians may call themselves children of Zion, for by faith and hope we have come to Mount Zion (Hebrews 12:22). Saints must praise God, saints in outward profession and saints in inward power, because that is part of what sanctification, being made holy, is for. They are set apart for God’s glory and renewed by his grace so that they may be for his praise.

The praise God calls for must rise from holy joy in him. Let Israel rejoice, let the children of Zion be glad, and let the saints be joyful in glory. Our praise should come from hearts that delight in God’s character and in our relationship with him. A great part of true godliness is making God our chief joy and finding comfort in him. Our faith in Christ is described as rejoicing in him. We honor God most when we take pleasure in him. We should be joyful in glory, that is, in God as our glory and in the share we have in him. We should also count it our glory to be among those who rejoice in God.

This praise must also be shown in proper ways. We are to sing to the Lord, to tell out his praise by singing (Psalm 149:3), and to sing loudly (Psalm 149:5), with full hearts and without shame. We are to sing a new song, whether because it is newly made for a special occasion or because fresh feelings make old words new again. The song must not grow stale. In the Old Testament church, God was praised with timbrels and dances very early on, as in Exodus 15:20. Those who use that to defend music in worship would, by the same rule, have to introduce dancing too, since the two went together, as with David dancing before the ark and in Judges 21:21. But while the New Testament clearly continues singing as a gospel ordinance, it gives no command to keep up music and dancing in worship. The rule for psalm singing in the gospel is to sing with the Spirit and with understanding.

We must also make use of every opportunity to praise God. None should be wasted. First, we must praise him in public, in the solemn assembly and in the gathering of the saints. The more believers are together, the more it reflects heaven. In that way God’s name is honored before the world, worship gains dignity, and we stir one another up. The reason for gathering in religious meetings is that we may join together in praising God. Everything else in the service should serve that end.

Second, we must praise him in private. Let the saints be so filled with joy in God that they sing aloud even on their beds, and when they wake in the night, as David did (Psalm 119:62). When God’s people are brought into a quiet and settled life, they should receive it with thankfulness. How much more may true believers, who have entered God’s rest and found rest in Jesus Christ, sing aloud for joy. Even on sickbeds and deathbeds, they should keep praising their God.

Now consider the reasons God’s Israel have for praise. First, think of what God has done for them. They have reason to rejoice in God, to devote themselves to his honor, and to serve him, because he made them. He gave us life as human beings, and that alone is a reason to praise him, because life is a noble and excellent gift. He also gave Israel their life as a people, as a church, and made them different from the other nations. So that people should praise him, because he formed them for himself, on purpose that they might show his praise (Isaiah 43:21). Let Israel rejoice in his Makers, as the Hebrew has it, for God said, “Let us make man.” Some see in that the mystery of the Trinity.

Second, think of God’s rule over them. If he made them, then he is their King. He who gave life can surely give law. This should be a reason for joy and praise, because we are under the care and protection of such a wise and powerful King. “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion,” for your King comes, the King Messiah, whom God has set on his holy hill of Zion. Let all the children of Zion be glad in him and go out to meet him with their hosannas (Zechariah 9:9).

Third, think of God’s delight in them. He is a King who rules in love, and that is one more reason to praise him. The Lord takes pleasure in his people, in their service, in their well-being, in fellowship with them, and in giving them signs of his favor. He is perfectly happy in himself, and nothing can be added to his blessedness, yet he graciously takes pleasure in his people (Psalm 147:11).

Fourth, think of God’s purpose for them. Besides the present joy he takes in them, he has prepared future glory for them. He will beautify the meek, the humble, and the lowly in heart, those who tremble at his word, submit to it, bear affliction patiently, and show gentleness toward all people. Others may insult and slander them, but God will clear them and take away their shame. More than that, he will beautify them. They will not only be cleared, but made lovely before the whole world with the beauty he gives them. He will beautify them with salvation, with deliverance in this life when he works great rescues for his people, and especially with eternal salvation. The righteous will be made beautiful in that day when they shine like the sun. With that hope, even on the darkest day, let them sing a new song.