Psalms 149:1

1 Halelu-JAH. Sing unto the LORD a new song, let his praise be in the congregation of the merciful.

Psalms 149:1 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 149:1

Praise ye the Lord
Or "hallelujah"; the title of the psalm, according to many;

sing unto the Lord a new song;
for a new mercy received, a new victory obtained, or a new salvation wrought; more particularly the new song of redeeming grace through Jesus Christ, the song of the Lamb, in distinction from the old song of Moses and the children of Israel at the Red sea, on account of their deliverance, which was typical of salvation by Christ, the oldest, being the first song we read of; but this is a new one, which none but the redeemed of the Lamb can sing; a song suited to Gospel times, in which all things are new, a new church state, new ordinances, a new covenant, and a new and living way to the holiest of all; a song proper for renewed persons to sing, who have new favours continually to bless and praise the Lord for;

[and] his praise in the congregation of saints:
such who are partakers of the blessings of divine goodness; are separated and distinguished from others by the grace of God; are sanctified and brought into a Gospel church state; and who gather and assemble together to worship God, and attend upon him in his word and ordinances, and in such assemblies the praises of God are to be sung; which being done socially, the saints are assisting to one another in this service; and it is done with greater solemnity, and is more to the public honour and glory of God; thus Gospel churches are called upon to sing the praises of God among themselves, ( Ephesians 5:19 ) ( Colossians 3:16 ) ; and have Christ for an example going before them, ( Psalms 22:22 Psalms 22:25 ) .

Psalms 149:1 In-Context

1 Halelu-JAH. Sing unto the LORD a new song, let his praise be in the congregation of the merciful.
2 Let Israel rejoice with his Maker; let the sons of Zion be joyful with their King.
3 Let them praise his name in the dance; let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.
4 For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he will beautify the humble with saving health.
5 The merciful shall be joyful with glory; they shall sing aloud upon their beds.
The Jubilee Bible (from the Scriptures of the Reformation), edited by Russell M. Stendal, Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2010