Psalm 149:1

Psalm 149:1

Sing a new song to the Lord

A Psalm that calls upon Israel to celebrate their special significance in the heart and plans of God. They are a nation that is highly honoured simply for being chosen by the Lord. They were delivered from Egypt, they were given the Law of God on Mount Sinai and also became sealed into a special covenant relationship with the Lord of lords and King of kings. Israel was chosen to be God’s emissaries to the whole world and also to execute the judgement of God over the pagan nations. Their status and eminence in God’s eyes goes hand in hand with His provision of a homeland and His insistence, from the earliest days, that this tiny nation should be major players in the affairs of the planet.  Small wonder that they are so hated and despised by the world, they are still God’s chosen people and will never be eradicated. So many have tried to destroy them and still do, to this very day. In this they are an earthly parable for the Church.

 

V1        This is a cry for all of Israel to praise the Lord. Whist many may have done this privately over the centuries, the emphasis in the Psalms is for such praise to be a public affirmation of the works of the Lord. Israel, more than any other nation, was called to sing new songs, and to do this in public assemblies. No doubt, the psalmist had in mind the great gatherings that took place at different times of the year in the Temple courts. These public events were viewed as opportunities to celebrate the goodness of the Lord and to give thanks for the blessings that He had bestowed upon His people. Whether there were special occasions for the learning and singing of new songs we will never know. How did you get your song heard? Was there a special time in the festivals for hearing and learning new songs? 

What we do know is that innovation and creative efforts were not frowned upon, in fact they were encouraged and it’s a relief to live at a time when new music is constantly being played and sung in God’s church. Notice, that it is the assembly of the faithful people that is seen as the focus of such praise. Let’s enjoy singing His songs together and be open to constantly learning new material so long as it honours and glorifies the Lord. 

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