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Psalm 149 English Standard Version (ESV)

Sing to the Lord a New Song

149 Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
  his praise in the assembly of the godly!
2 Let Israel be glad in his 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 salvation.
5 Let the godly exult in glory;
  let them sing for joy on their beds.
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 punishments on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with chains
  and their nobles with fetters of iron,
9 to execute on them the judgment written!
  This is honor for all his godly ones.
Praise the Lord!

Reflection

• God’s people have two callings, each of which are aspects of worship. First, God’s people are called to sing his praises, and rejoice in the one who takes such delight in them.
• Second, God’s people are to take a stand on this earth against evil. Israel praised and glorified God, not just in word but also in deed, by carrying out His will for her. While in Old Testament times, Israel literally went to war against pagan peoples in their land, today we are to be engaged in spiritual warfare, doing all we can to uphold righteousness and do justice in our society.
• This psalm is a helpful reminder, to us who are believers, that praising God does not just involve praising Him with our lips. It must also include obeying Him with our lives.
• Invite the Holy Spirit to examine your life. How are you with the two callings – to praise God, and to carry out God’s will in your community?