Psalm 149: An Example of How to Read Deeper
Praise to God for His Salvation and Judgment
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Sing to the Lord a new song,
And His praise in the assembly of saints.
2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
3 Let them praise His name with the dance;
Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.
4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the humble with salvation.
5 Let the saints be joyful in glory;
Let them sing aloud on their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
7 To execute vengeance on the nations,
And punishments on the peoples;
8 To bind their kings with chains,
And their nobles with fetters of iron;
9 To execute on them the written judgment—
This honor have all His saints.
Praise the Lord!
Don't read this like you just read instructions for a calculus problem. But I get it; the same praise words repeated in the Bible written a long time ago can be difficult to soak in, especially when we have tons of other stuff going on. However, beginning our reading with prayer and then looking closely in a million different ways will be rewarding for you. Here's an example using Psalm 149. Carefully take a look:
Psalm 149 has a common trait found many times in the Psalms and in other parts of Scripture; the focus or topic seems to shift.
The chapter begins with statements of praise and exaltation to God. Sing, dance, rejoice, play music, praise the LORD!
Even after we leave church, after we're back home, according to the chapter, we are to continue praising God. Our gratitude to God should be so overflowing that even in our beds at night we can't help but sing out praises to HIM!
Then, the psalmist takes a shift so haphazardly that it's easy to miss. Verse six says the saints (salvation-accepted believers), as they sing in their beds at night, are to have a double-edged sword in their hand. Doesn't that sound a little weird? I'm gripping my weapon and shouting "Hallelujah!" I get filled-up with gratitude and praise to God; then I prepare to slice and dice?
Symbolism is a favorite literary technique of God's (I'm certain of it!).
Symbolism: an object that represents something else. Ephesians 6:17 says the sword of the Spirit is the word of God. The double-edge sword, also found in Hebrews 4:12, can be a symbol to represent God's word:
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Are we rejoicing to God? Singing praise songs? Sincerely grateful for His provisions, for His guidance, and for salvation? Are we overflowing with thankfulness to God? Here's where we must start. Going forward with no gratitude is not an effective way for a Christian to actively, effectively live.
Secondly, as we wake up and live through our day, are we taking the sword of the Spirit with us? Do we know truths to discern when we hear untruths? Are we prepared to share the love of Jesus with others? Do we meditate on His word throughout the day?
If you find these things a difficult task, what are we lacking in -- thankfulness or in carrying the Holy Spirit and God's Word with us throughout the day?
Also, how can we be sincere in our song if we're not living out God's word throughout the day?
Charles Spurgeon (Enduring Word) offers a helpful explanation:
"If we do not praise we shall grow sad in conflict; and if we do not fight we shall become presumptuous in our song. The verse indicated a happy blending of the chorister and the crusader." (2025)
We can be the choir and the warriors for Christ. However, we can't effectively have one without the other.
Now, we've taken the time to make sense out of it and discuss the relationship between have a song and a sword. Nothing is written out of place in the Bible, so take the time to find connections and relationships to what can initially seem far-fetched.