Psalms 149:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise in the congregation of saints.

Praise {H1984} ye the LORD {H3050}. Sing {H7891} unto the LORD {H3068} a new {H2319} song {H7892}, and his praise {H8416} in the congregation {H6951} of saints {H2623}.

Halleluyah! Sing to ADONAI a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful.

Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song— His praise in the assembly of the godly.

Praise ye Jehovah. Sing unto Jehovah a new song, And his praise in the assembly of the saints.

Commentary

Psalm 149:1 is a vibrant call to worship, initiating a psalm of exuberant praise that anticipates God's triumph and the participation of His people. It sets the tone for a song of victory and communal joy, celebrating the Lord's redemptive power and His relationship with His saints.

Context

Psalm 149 is one of the final "Hallel" psalms (Psalms 146-150), which are a series of psalms characterized by fervent praise and calls for all creation to glorify the Lord. This particular psalm shifts from the general praise of the preceding chapters to focus on the praise offered by the "saints" of Israel, often in anticipation of God's coming judgment and salvation for His people. It's a song for the redeemed, encouraging them to participate actively in worship.

Key Themes

  • Exuberant Praise: The opening command, "Praise ye the LORD," or Hallelujah in Hebrew, is a fundamental and recurring theme throughout the Psalms, emphasizing the joyful and necessary act of glorifying God. This isn't just a suggestion but a joyful imperative.
  • A New Song: The instruction to "Sing unto the LORD a new song" implies a fresh, spontaneous, and perhaps unprecedented expression of worship. It can signify praise for new mercies, a recent victory, or a deeper understanding of God's character and works. This theme appears in other psalms, such as Psalm 96:1, and even in prophetic visions of the future, like Revelation 5:9, where a new song is sung in heaven.
  • Corporate Worship: The phrase "his praise in the congregation of saints" highlights the communal aspect of worship. God's people are called to gather together to offer Him praise collectively. This emphasizes the importance of corporate worship and the shared spiritual experience within the community of believers, a practice foundational to the life of faith and encouraged throughout Scripture (e.g., Hebrews 10:25).

Linguistic Insights

The opening phrase, "Praise ye the LORD," is a direct translation of the Hebrew word Hallelujah (הַלְלוּ יָהּ), which is a command to "Praise Yah" (a shortened form of Yahweh, the Lord's covenant name). The term "new song" (Hebrew: shir ḥadash, שִׁיר חָדָשׁ) suggests a song inspired by a new experience of God's faithfulness or a fresh revelation of His character, rather than merely a previously unperformed tune.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 149:1 serves as a powerful reminder of the joy and necessity of both personal and corporate worship. It encourages us to approach God with a fresh spirit of praise, recognizing His continuous acts of grace and deliverance in our lives. Our worship should not be stale or routine but vibrant and responsive to His ongoing work. Furthermore, it underscores the value of gathering with other believers to collectively lift up His name, strengthening community and magnifying God's glory together.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 33:3

    Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

  • Psalms 98:1

    ¶ A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.

  • Revelation 5:9

    And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

  • Psalms 148:1

    ¶ Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.

  • Hebrews 2:12

    Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

  • Psalms 22:22

    ¶ I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.

  • Isaiah 42:10

    Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.