Scriptural text: Psalm 149-Psalm 150
A New Song (Psalm 149:1-5):
Call to Praise {vv.1-3).
Praise ye the Lord, a plural command, a translation of only two words. In Hebrew, millions of people all over the world know this as the single, a compounded word hallelujah. The first word, halleu, is a command to praise. The jah that follows is a shortened version of Yahweh, the Hebrew name of God-the object of the praise.
Sing unto the Lord a new song. A new song suggests that circumstances have changed in such a way that the old songs are no longer sufficient. In this case, the people have returned from their Babylonian captivity. Being something of a “second exodus,” this return certainly called for new words of celebration! Isaiah speaks of the Messiah to come, and a new song is called for because of the new things God will do on earth (Isaiah 42:10; 43:19).
And his praise in the congregation of saints. The congregation of saints sketches a setting of public, corporate worship. The saints are those who demonstrate fidelity in their relationship with the Lord. They are not the ones who chase false gods or rebelliously disobey His commands.
Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. This verse gives reasons for expressing joy. The two lines refer to the same being, namely God, but to different roles He has. First, the Lord is not only the Creator of humans in general, but also the one who created the nation of Israel in particular. Second, the Lord is Israel’s ruler. As subjects of His rule, the Israelites were beneficiaries of His protection.
Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. Here the psalmist provided means for expressing praise and joy. Dancing to the sound of musical instruments indicates boisterous, unrestrained worship.
Reasons for Praise (v. 4).
For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. The meek are the humble. The people experienced great uncertainty when they arrived back in Judah. They were certainly not wealthy or of high standing. Salvation in the Old Testament often describes the deliverance from enemies. The word translated salvation can also be used of deliverance from sin, though this is much more prevalent in the New Testament as the word comes over from Hebrew to Greek.
Another Call to Praise (v. 5).
Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. In glory refers to having been favored with a change of circumstance, from exiles to people living once again in their homeland.
Upon their beds. This indicates private praise, upon their beds.
References: 2021-2022 Standard Lesson Commentary