Chapter 149
- 1
- 1 Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song, a hymn in the assembly of the faithful.
- 2
- Let Israel be glad in their maker, the people of Zion rejoice in their king.
- 3
- 2 Let them praise his name in festive dance, make music with tambourine and lyre.
- 4
- For the LORD takes delight in his people, honors the poor with victory.
- 5
- 3 Let the faithful rejoice in their glory, cry out for joy at their banquet,
- 6
- With the praise of God in their mouths, and a two-edged sword in their hands,
- 7
- To bring retribution on the nations, punishment on the peoples,
- 8
- To bind their kings with chains, shackle their nobles with irons,
- 9
- 4 To execute the judgments decreed for them-- such is the glory of all God's faithful. Hallelujah!
Previous Chapter Next ChapterFootnotes
1 [Psalm 149] A hymn inviting the people of Israel to celebrate their God in song and festive dance (Psalm 149:1-3, 5) because God has chosen them and given them victory (Psalm 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 (Psalm 149:6-9).
2 [3] Make music with tambourine and lyre: the verse recalls the great exodus hymn of Exodus 15:20.
3 [5] At their banquet: literally, "upon their couches." The people reclined to banquet.
4 [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.
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