Psalms 149:9

KJV

To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

To execute {H6213} upon them the judgment {H4941} written {H3789}: this honour {H1926} have all his saints {H2623}. Praise {H1984} ye the LORD {H3050}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to execute the judgments decreed for them; for this will glorify all his faithful. Halleluyah!

Berean Standard Bible

to execute the judgment written against them. This honor is for all His saints. Hallelujah!

American Standard Version

To execute upon them the judgment written: This honor have all his saints. Praise ye Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 149:9 concludes a vibrant psalm of praise by declaring the unique role of God's faithful people in the execution of His pre-ordained judgment against the nations. It asserts that this participation is a profound privilege and honor bestowed upon "all his saints," culminating in a final, resounding call to praise the LORD, thereby linking the themes of divine justice, the saints' agency, and ultimate worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 149 is one of the final "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 146-150), all of which begin and end with "Praise ye the LORD" (Hallelujah). This psalm uniquely blends fervent communal praise with a surprising, almost militant, depiction of God's people. The first half (verses 1-5) calls for joyful worship of God as King and Creator, emphasizing His delight in His people and their exaltation. The latter half (verses 6-9) then introduces the imagery of God's people with "high praises in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand" ([Psalms 149:6](/psalms/149-6 "Psalm 149:6 - Praise and the Two-Edged Sword")), setting the stage for the execution of divine judgment. Verse 9 serves as the climax of this dual theme, asserting the saints' participation in this judgment before returning to the overarching theme of praise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical context of Psalms 149 is often debated, with some scholars suggesting a post-exilic setting, perhaps during the Maccabean period, when the people of Israel were engaged in battles for their freedom and the restoration of their religious identity. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings were often seen as divine agents of justice, and their armies were instruments of that justice. The psalm's imagery might reflect a vision of Israel as God's chosen instrument to establish His righteous rule on earth, reminiscent of the battles described in [Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua") or [Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges"). It's crucial to understand that "judgment" here is not personal vengeance but the outworking of God's sovereign, righteous decrees against those who oppose His kingdom and His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God's judgments are "written," meaning they are pre-ordained, just, and inevitable, underscoring His ultimate control over history and nations. Secondly, it elevates the **Role and Dignity of the Saints**, portraying them not as passive recipients of salvation but as active participants in God's redemptive and judicial purposes. This "honour" is a remarkable declaration of their elevated status and partnership with God. Finally, the psalm's concluding "Praise ye the LORD" reinforces the theme of **Worship as the Ultimate Response**, even in the context of judgment. This suggests that the saints' involvement in justice is itself an act of worship, acknowledging God's righteousness and His ultimate victory, as seen in the broader calls to praise in [Psalms 150](/psalms/150 "Psalm 150 - A Call to Universal Praise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **honour (Hebrew, _hâdâr'_):** From H1926, this word signifies magnificence, ornament, splendor, beauty, comeliness, excellency, glory, or majesty. In this context, it speaks to the elevated status and profound dignity granted to God's saints. It is not merely a privilege but a glorious distinction, reflecting the divine favor and purpose placed upon them.
* **saints (Hebrew, _châçîyd'_):** From H2623, this term refers to those who are properly kind, religiously pious, godly, good, holy, or merciful. It denotes those who are faithful, devoted, and loyal to God's covenant, marked by their steadfast love and adherence to His ways. The "saints" are the _chasidim_, God's beloved and consecrated people.
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** From H1984, this primitive root means to be clear (of sound or color), to shine, to make a show, to boast, or to celebrate. It encompasses a clamorous, enthusiastic, and often public declaration of God's excellencies. The imperative "Praise ye the LORD" is "Hallelujah," a command to actively and joyfully celebrate the LORD's character and deeds.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To execute upon them the judgment written":** This clause refers to the active implementation of divine decrees. The "judgment written" (Hebrew: _mishpat katuv_) implies a pre-ordained, divinely established verdict or law concerning the nations or the wicked. It is not an arbitrary act but the fulfillment of God's righteous and just pronouncements, which are revealed in His word and character. The "them" refers to the nations or enemies of God's people mentioned in the preceding verses.
* **"this honour have all his saints."** This is a remarkable declaration of privilege. The participation in the execution of God's judgment is presented as a glorious distinction bestowed upon "all his saints"—the _chasidim_, God's faithful and pious ones. It signifies their unique partnership with God in the outworking of His sovereign plan, elevating their status and demonstrating God's trust in them.
* **"Praise ye the LORD."** This concluding phrase, "Hallelujah," serves as both an inclusio for the psalm and a theological exclamation point. It emphasizes that even in the context of divine judgment and the saints' involvement, the ultimate and appropriate response is worship. Their participation in God's justice is an act of adoration, acknowledging His sovereignty, righteousness, and ultimate victory.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Thematic Juxtaposition** is evident in the striking combination of militant imagery and the call to praise; the "two-edged sword" of the previous verse leads directly to the "judgment written" and culminates in "Praise ye the LORD," showing how even divine justice is a cause for worship. **Inclusio** is powerfully used, as the psalm begins and ends with "Praise ye the LORD," framing the entire message within an overarching theme of worship and demonstrating that all actions, even the execution of judgment, are ultimately for God's glory. The phrase "judgment written" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where "written" stands for the established, immutable, and divinely decreed nature of God's justice. The declaration "this honour have all his saints" is an emphatic statement, highlighting the **Divine Bestowal** of a unique privilege upon God's chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 149:9 presents a profound theological truth: God's people are not merely passive recipients of His grace but are called to active participation in the establishment of His righteous kingdom. This involvement in executing "judgment written" is a divine honor, signifying their co-laboring with God in bringing about His purposes on earth. While the immediate context may refer to physical battles, the underlying principle extends to spiritual warfare and the ultimate triumph of God's justice. This verse foreshadows a future reality where believers will share in Christ's authority, not for personal vengeance, but for the full manifestation of God's righteous rule and the vindication of His name.

* [Daniel 7:22](/daniel/7-22 "Daniel 7:22 - Saints Receive Judgment and Possess the Kingdom")
* [1 Corinthians 6:2-3](/1_corinthians/6-2 "1 Corinthians 6:2-3 - Saints Will Judge the World and Angels")
* [Revelation 20:4](/revelation/20-4 "Revelation 20:4 - Saints Reign with Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 149:9 challenges contemporary believers to consider their role in God's unfolding plan for justice and righteousness in the world. While we are not called to take up physical swords for judgment, we are certainly called to wield the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" ([Ephesians 6:17](/ephesians/6-17 "Ephesians 6:17 - The Sword of the Spirit")). This "honour" implies a responsibility to align ourselves with God's truth, to speak out against injustice, to advocate for the oppressed, and to live lives that reflect His holiness and righteousness. Our participation in God's work, whether through prayer, evangelism, acts of mercy, or standing for truth, is a privileged act of worship. It reminds us that our ultimate purpose is to bring glory to God, even as we anticipate the full manifestation of His kingdom and the final execution of His perfect justice. Our praise should be continuous, rooted in the confidence that God is sovereign and will ultimately set all things right.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "judgment written" inform your understanding of God's justice and sovereignty?**
* **In what ways can believers today "execute" God's judgment, not through physical force, but through spiritual and ethical alignment with His will?**
* **How does recognizing your "honour" as a saint impact your sense of purpose and responsibility in the world?**
* **How can you maintain a spirit of praise and worship even when contemplating difficult truths about divine judgment?**

### FAQ
**Does "judgment written" imply that God's judgments are arbitrary or predetermined without regard for human choice?**

Answer: No, "judgment written" (Hebrew: _mishpat katuv_) emphasizes that God's judgments are not arbitrary but are based on His established, righteous decrees and character. It signifies that His justice is consistent, pre-ordained, and in accordance with His revealed will, whether through His law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")) or His inherent nature. While God is sovereign and His plans are fixed, His judgments are always just and based on the choices and actions of humanity, as seen in countless biblical narratives where people are held accountable for their deeds (e.g., [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God Will Repay Each Person According to What They Have Done")).

**How can the saints "execute judgment" without promoting violence or vengeance?**

Answer: The interpretation of "execute judgment" for contemporary believers moves beyond literal physical warfare. In the New Testament, the "sword" is spiritual, representing the Word of God ([Ephesians 6:17](/ephesians/6-17 "Ephesians 6:17 - The Sword of the Spirit")) and the power of truth. Believers "execute judgment" by proclaiming the gospel, which is God's ultimate verdict on sin and offer of salvation; by living righteously, which exposes the darkness of the world; by advocating for justice and righteousness in society; and by participating in spiritual warfare through prayer and faith. Ultimately, it points to a future eschatological role where believers will reign with Christ and participate in His final judgment, as hinted in passages like [1 Corinthians 6:2-3](/1_corinthians/6-2 "1 Corinthians 6:2-3 - Saints Will Judge the World and Angels").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 149:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ, and in the church, His body. While the Old Testament saints participated in the execution of God's judgment through physical battles, Christ Himself is the embodiment of God's perfect justice and the ultimate Judge ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son")). He executed the "judgment written" against sin on the cross, taking upon Himself the penalty due to humanity, thereby fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - God Condemned Sin in the Flesh")). The "honour" given to His saints is now realized in their co-heirship with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Co-Heirs with Christ")), where they are called to participate in His redemptive mission, not through physical force, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. Believers are now empowered to proclaim the "judgment written" against the powers of darkness and sin through the gospel, which brings light and exposes evil ([John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - The Judgment of Light and Darkness")). Furthermore, the New Testament reveals that the saints will indeed share in Christ's future reign and judgment, sitting with Him on thrones ([Revelation 3:21](/revelation/3-21 "Revelation 3:21 - Sitting with Christ on His Throne")) and participating in the final establishment of God's righteous kingdom, culminating in eternal praise to the Lamb who was slain ([Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - All Creation Praises the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 6:2

Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

1 Corinthians 6:3

Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

Psalms 148:14

He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; [even] of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalms 137:8

O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy [shall he be], that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.

Revelation 3:21

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Isaiah 14:22

For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 14:23

I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.