Read Psalm 149
Questions from the Scripture text: Whom shall we praise (Psalm 149:1)? What shall we sing? Where? In whom is Israel to rejoice (Psalm 149:2)? In whom must the children of Zion be joyful? What aspects of the worship led by Levitical priests are named in Psalm 149:3? In whom does the Lord take pleasure (Psalm 149:4)? With what does He beautify the humble (verse 4)? In what should saints be joyful (Psalm 149:5)? What should they do on their beds? What should be in their mouths (Psalm 149:6)? And what should be in their hands? For what purpose (Psalm 149:7-9a)? Which of the Lord’s saints have this honor?
What does the assembly of praising saints enjoy? Psalm 149 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the assembly of praising saints enjoys the pleasure of the Lord and the power of the Lord.
This is a Psalm about corporate worship—the praise of the Lord in the assembly of the saints.
Yes, it’s a praise that continues to resound in their hearts and mouths even when they are at home on their beds (Psalm 149:5).
But it is something that distinctly belongs to the assembly (Psalm 149:1), as evidenced by the reference to the specifically Levite-led activities of Psalm 149:3.
We, of course, are no longer led by Levites in a temple on earth, but we ourselves are the temple, and we are led by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the Great High Priest over the congregation in glory! Therefore, the joy of the song is not diminished, but rather increased—as the saints are joyful in glory.
In particular, we now know how it can even be that YHWH Himself takes pleasure in us in Psalm 149:4 (!!).
It is because we come to Him through His beloved Son, with Whom He is well pleased.
He delights in His Son, and He delights in us who are in His Son!
But not only do we have the privilege of a great reception on High, week by week in this life. We also have the privilege of a great power on earth.
Which of the Lord’s saints wield this great sword to which Psalm 149:6-9 refer?
All His saints. Psalm 149:9 says, “This honor have ALL His saints.”
Now, we know that not all His saints carry physical swords by which they subjugate rulers.
But, just as our worship must come from God and not be merely the worship of men, so also our weapons are the weapons of God.
As we believe the Scripture together, and confess it in worship, and admonish one another with it, and teach it to our children, we are participating in the subjugation of all the nations, which shall surely be accomplished by God’s mighty Word.
And, we have the privilege, as we depart worship each week, of carrying His high praise in our mouths, and His sword in our hands. Hallelujah!
How do you know that God takes pleasure in You in the public worship? What power do you have?
Sample prayer: Lord, we praise You, Who have made us. We rejoice in You, our King. We marvel that You take pleasure in us, as in Your beloved Son, with Whom You are well pleased. Grant that we would take Your praise into the rest of our lives, especially as You give us to conquer the world through ordinary, faithful Christianity. Thank You for giving this honor to all of Your saints. Grant it to us, we ask, through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP149B “O Praise the Lord, O Sing Aloud” or TPH149B “O Praise Ye the Lord”
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