Psalms 149:1-5 - Homilies By C. Short

The voice of praise.

"Breathes the spirit of intense joy and eager hope in the period which succeeded the return from Babylon. The poet saw in their return so signal a proof of the Divine favor, that he regarded it as a pledge of a glorious future yet in store for the nation. But language like that of Psalms 149:6-9 is no warrant for the exhibition of a similar spirit in the Christian Church."

I. A NEW ERA IN THE LIFE OF THE NATION OR INDIVIDUAL FURNISHES NEW MATERIAL FOR PRAISE . ( Psalms 149:1 .) Escape from a miserable captivity and the return home was a new national experience, if they had not lost the spirit of freedom. How many eras in our individual life correspond to this? A long sickness recovered from, or a long habit of sin escaped from.

II. SOCIAL WORSHIP IS MOST CONGENIAL TO THE SPIRIT OF PRAISE , ( Psalms 149:1 .) The people were summoned to rejoice in the congregation . Enthusiasm of any kind more easily inspired in a multitude than in an individual, and more easily propagated.

III. WE ARE TO REJOICE IN OUR CREATOR AND KING AS OUR REDEEMER . ( Psalms 149:2 , Psalms 149:3 .) Such a King will not leave them subject to alien rule, but redeem them.

1. For God rejoices in his near relation to his people . ( Psalms 149:4 .) Takes pleasure in his fellowship with them and in their welfare.

2. He delights to array them in honor and glory . To put beauty and glory upon the outcast and afflicted.

IV. THE JOY OF THE REDEEMED WILL UTTER ITSELF IN PRIVATE AS WELL AS IN PUBLIC . ( Psalms 149:5 .) "Upon their beds." In their most restful moments they will exult in God's favor now, and in hope for the future.—S.