A New Song of Praise in Psalm 149 Because of God’s Pleasure

Are you getting it yet? There’s a repeated message heralded in these one-hundred-and-fifty psalms—and for good reason. Repetition is necessary. You and I need help lifting our eyes to remember to sing a new song of praise.

“Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly! Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!” Psalm 149:1-2

God’s people, Israel, are instructed to find their gladness in their Maker; they are instructed to rejoice in their King. These things are written for our instruction, as well (Romans 15:4). The endurance and encouragement of our Scriptures give us hope. Hope to sing.

“Long lay the world in sin and error pining till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!” Adolphe Adam, “O Holy Night”

We need to sing songs about error and pining away until we feel our worth in God. We need to sing of the hope that breaks forth in the heart of weary souls. Are we hearing the pinnacle of praise rising forth in this book? Praise for the Lord is echoing as we embrace these final chapters.

“Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!” Psalm 149:3

Yes, lift your voice in praise. However, if you need permission to dance, here it is. But dance in praise. As I mourned my loss and sensed the intimacy of the Comforter, Immanuel I was inspired to move. I would get up off my knees or face and sense that I needed to move around the room. I won’t call it dancing, but my body could not sit, kneel, or lie still. I was enthused.

I do not play an instrument, but I can understand how a musician is compelled to pick up whatever their instrument is, and like the tambourine or lyre, play it in praise to God. He is worthy.

“For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their throats…” Psalm 149:4-6

The day I lost my bride, I laid my head on a pillow and began to hear “You are good, you are good when there’s nothing good in me” (Jason David Ingram and Reuben Timothy Morgan, “Forever Reign”). A song pushed its way into my mind and heart. On my bed I sang with joy, albeit muted joy at that moment, that I could lift a high praise to God for his goodness.

He is good even when pain is present. Maybe especially when pain is present. I believe God takes great pleasure in humble praise from a hurting heart.

This psalm takes a militaristic turn. In addition to praise on their lips, the psalmist finds swords in their hands to bring judgment on the nations. God’s people are enabled to punish people, putting kings in chains and nobles in fetters. The purpose is insightful lest we mistake our roles. The purpose for this empowerment is to bring judgment that is already determined and written.

God’s pleasure is exemplified when we exult in his glory. When we pour out our song of joyful praise to his name, he honors his godly ones.

Indeed, praise the Lord; he takes pleasure in his people!

“This is honor for all his godly ones. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 149:9