Psalm 149 is another wonderful Psalm of praise. In verse 6 however, there is a turn to warfare in the Psalmist’s thoughts. His conclusion of the last 4 verses of this chapter described the glorious privilege of God’s faithful ones.
This Psalm begins by saying Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful.
Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands. Psalms 149:6
What caught my attention about this verse is, it says Let the praises of God be in their mouths. This sentence sits somewhere between a suggestion and a command. Then the second part of the verse says and a sharp sword in their hands.
Whoa! Is it like saying, praise the Lord, and pass the ammunition? It’s an interesting remark that reveals a separation between the old covenant and the new one. During the Old Testament times, kingdoms established their dominance by the sword.
If we look at the next couple of verses, the Psalmist required that they held nothing back. If they offered their enemy an inch, they would surely take a mile.
. . . to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with shackles and their leaders with iron chains. Psalm 149:7-8
How Do God’s Faithful Ones Receive the Glorious Privilege?
In our day as we draw closer to the end times we also have a sword. Our weapon though isn’t only to be held in our hands, but also carried in our hearts. Our sword won’t bring psychical injury. But it is a sword that will pierce our soul and spirit.
Our sword is a weapon of salvation and not destruction. It is a weapon of peace and hope and love. It is sharper than any two-edged sword because it is the Word of God. The writer of Hebrews gave us a full description of God’s Word.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12
Verse 9 of our Psalm says the sword will execute the judgment written against them. Just like the sword of the Old Testament executed judgment against the enemies of the Lord. The sword of the New Testament reveals the judgment of God’s enemies as written in Revelation.
And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. The dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:12,15
What Exactly is Salvation?
In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3 NIV
The glorious privilege of God’s faithful ones is our assurance of victory. We have praise on our lips and we are led by the sword, God’s Word. With our lives cleansed of all sin, we are set free. Our enemies on the other hand are bound up. And God will execute the judgment written against them.
Lord, today I recommit my life unto you. Thank you for making a way for us to spend eternity with you. Help us keep the Sword of the Spirit in our hearts and minds.
Read all 9 verses of Psalm 149 here.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Christian Perspectives
