Psalms 149:4

For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

For the LORD {H3068} taketh pleasure {H7521} in his people {H5971}: he will beautify {H6286} the meek {H6035} with salvation {H3444}.

for ADONAI takes delight in his people, he crowns the humble with salvation.

For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the afflicted with salvation.

For Jehovah taketh pleasure in his people: He will beautify the meek with salvation.

Commentary

Context

Psalm 149 is a vibrant psalm of praise, calling the faithful to sing a "new song" to the LORD, celebrating His sovereignty and their unique relationship with Him. It is one of the final Hallelujah Psalms (Psalms 146-150), characterized by fervent adoration and a focus on God's mighty acts. Verse 4 provides the theological foundation for this exuberant praise, explaining why God's people should rejoice: because of His profound delight in them and His gracious work of transformation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Pleasure and Acceptance: The phrase "For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people" reveals a central truth of God's character. His relationship with His chosen ones is not one of mere obligation but of genuine affection and delight. This divine favor is the bedrock of their identity and purpose, echoing sentiments found in Zephaniah 3:17.
  • The Beautification of the Meek: God's pleasure culminates in action: "he will beautify the meek with salvation." The term "meek" (Hebrew: anav) refers to those who are humble, lowly, and submissive to God's will, often those who have endured affliction. It is not a sign of weakness but of spiritual strength and reliance on God, a quality frequently extolled in Scripture, as seen in Matthew 5:5. God adorns these humble individuals, not with worldly riches, but with a spiritual glory.
  • Salvation as Adornment: "Salvation" (Hebrew: yeshu'ah) here encompasses more than just rescue from danger; it signifies deliverance, victory, well-being, and a state of flourishing brought about by God's intervention. This salvation is depicted as something that "beautifies" or "adorns," suggesting that it brings true honor, dignity, and spiritual radiance to those who receive it. It is the very garment of their new life, much like the "garments of salvation" mentioned in Isaiah 61:10.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "pleasure" is ratsah (ืจึธืฆึธื”), which conveys the idea of being well-pleased with, accepting, or having delight in someone or something. It implies a willing and favorable disposition from God.
  • "Beautify" comes from the Hebrew verb pa'ar (ืคึผึธืึทืจ), meaning to adorn, glorify, or make beautiful. It suggests a divine act of bestowing honor and splendor upon the meek, transforming their lowliness into a form of spiritual majesty.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound encouragement and a call to humility. It reminds us that God's favor is not earned by our achievements or worldly status, but is freely given to those who humble themselves before Him. For believers, it is a comforting assurance that the Lord delights in His people, and that His salvation brings about a genuine, lasting beauty that transcends outward appearance. Embracing meekness allows us to experience the transformative power of God's grace, leading to true spiritual adornment and a life worthy of praise to Him.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 147:11

    The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

  • 1 Peter 3:4

    But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

  • Psalms 35:27

    Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

  • Psalms 132:16

    I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.

  • Psalms 22:8

    He trusted on the LORD [that] he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

  • Jeremiah 32:41

    Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.

  • Zephaniah 3:17

    The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
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