This Hallelujah psalm begins with a summons to the whole congregation to praise the Lord for a triumph over those who opposed the “saints.” The saints in this psalm are the Israelites who, in the past, were restored to Zion and, in the future, will be restored not only to Zion but also to the Lord Himself. It is a song of restoration for what has happened and will happen, and of praise for who we are now and will yet be. It is a victory celebration in which divine vengeance was exacted against the enemies of God’s people.
A new song is in order when something very important has happened, and the event needs to be kept before the people's minds. A song celebrating a victory certainly seems appropriate, especially when it includes references to the One who made us, redeemed us, and will reign as the King of kings. Like those in the past, we rejoice in the Lord, and the personal knowledge of God’s salvation and the favor He shows to His people are worth singing about.
When the kingdom of God comes with our Lord Jesus Christ as the reigning regent, His people will sing heartily of redemption by blood for those who have put their faith in Him. Judgment by His power on those who have rejected Him as their Savior will be carried out justly and speedily. The new song proclaims that our Lord Jesus is our Redeemer and the mighty Creator. This calls for praise in a day to come and in our praise today. The nations will not welcome Him. They will unite against Him at Armageddon and turn their weapons against Him, but they will lose the battle. To a certain extent, people today unite against the word of God and against those who take it literally and consider it inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Lord will execute judgment righteously against an ungodly world of God-haters in a day to come.
The song of victory will then be heard as the public praise of His believing people rises in Zion. There is private singing in the night now because of the safety the Lord provides for us, and it will certainly be true when peace reigns. The saints are those who have remained true to God’s covenant with His people. The celebration of peace on earth will be heard in many ways. There will be singing, playing musical instruments, and exuberant dancing to express joy and thanks to the Lord.
Dancing mentioned in the psalm is for divinely sanctioned purposes, which is very different from dancing today. Musical instruments can be used in good ways when the motivation is to worship the Lord, not merely for people's entertainment. Rejoicing after the tribulation is past will open the hearts of people worldwide to find their joy in the Lord, both publicly and privately.
The two-edged sword symbolizes victory in the name of the Lord. The word of God is the two-edged sword of the Spirit. The fulfillment of the scriptures will bring joy when we all see God's word fulfilled. We can rejoice today, knowing that it will happen. Then we will, because it has happened regarding Israel. Israel will be honored when they enter their role in the kingdom, and justice will be given. The Messiah of Israel will complete judgment against all evildoers.
PSALM 149
THE KINGDOM HAS COME v.1-4. Summons to praise. “Sing unto the Lord a new song…” v. 5-9. Song of victory. “Let the saints be joyful… let them sing aloud…”