Psalms

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PSALM 149^*

Praise God with Song and Sword

1Hallelujah!

Sing to the LORD a new song,

his praise in the assembly of the faithful.^a

2Let Israel be glad in its maker,

the people of Zion rejoice in their king.

3Let them praise his name in dance,

make music with tambourine and lyre.^*^b

4For the LORD takes delight in his people,

honors the poor with victory.

5Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,

cry out for joy on their couches,^*

6With the praise of God in their mouths,

and a two-edged sword in their hands,^c

7To bring retribution on the nations,

punishment on the peoples,^d

8To bind their kings in shackles,

their nobles in chains of iron,

9To execute the judgments decreed for them—

such is the glory^* of all God’s faithful.

Hallelujah!

* [Psalm 149] A hymn inviting the people of Israel to celebrate their God in song and festive dance (Ps 149:1–3, 5) because God has chosen them and given them victory (Ps 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 (Ps 149:6–9).

* [149:3] Make music with tambourine and lyre: the verse recalls the great exodus hymn of Ex 15:20.

* [149:5] On their couches: the people reclined to banquet.

* [149:9] 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.

a. [149:1] Ps 22:23; 26:12; 35:18; 40:10; Jdt 16:1.

b. [149:3] Ps 68:26; 81:2–3; 87:7; 150:3–4.

c. [149:6] Neh 4:10–12; 2 Mc 15:27.

d. [149:7] Wis 3:8.