USB ~ Psalms 149

Praise God with Song and Sword

1 Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful. a

2 Let Israel be glad in its maker, the people of Zion rejoice in their king.

3 Let them praise his name in dance, make music with tambourine and lyre.† b

4 For the LORD takes delight in his people, honors the poor with victory.

5 Let the faithful rejoice in their glory, cry out for joy on their couches,†

6 With the praise of God in their mouths, and a two-edged sword in their hands, c

7 To bring retribution on the nations, punishment on the peoples, d

8 To bind their kings in shackles, their nobles in chains of iron,

9 To execute the judgments decreed for them— such is the glory† of all God’s faithful. Hallelujah! * Psalm 149 A hymn inviting the people of Israel to celebrate their God in song and festive dance (Ps 149:1-3, 5) because God has chosen them and given them victory (Ps 149:4). The exodus and conquest are the defining acts of Israel; the people must be ready to do again those acts in the future at the divine command (Ps 149:6-9).

Footnotes

†. 149:3 Make music with tambourine and lyre: the verse recalls the great exodus hymn of Ex 15:20 .

†. 149:5 On their couches: the people reclined to banquet.

†. 149:9 The glory: what brings honor to the people is their readiness to carry out the divine will, here conceived as punishing injustice done by the nations.

149:1 Ps 22:23; 26:12; 35:18; 40:10; Jdt 16:1.
149:3 Ps 68:26; 81:2-3; 87:7; 150:3-4.
149:6 Neh 4:10-12; 2 Mc 15:27.
149:7 Wis 3:8.