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Psalm 149 seems discordant to me. Let’s read a verse from the beginning of the Psalm and then two verses from the end of the chapter to see if you understand my dilemma.
Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful (v. 1, NLT).
Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands – to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples (vv. 6-7).
Praise and sharp swords, singing and executing vengeance, both together!? HHHHMMMHHM!
Like Psalm 149, many Psalms sing about vengeance and divine wrath, which used to set me on edge. I’m from the USA, and though I lived through the Vietnam War and other wars since, I’ve never witnessed our land raided with bloodletting Philistines intent on robbing us, brutalizing our families, and taking everything we own.
The Israelites constantly endured these raids. (It’s interesting to note that the Philistines occupied the same territory as today’s Gaza strip of land.)
Because of the constant warfare during the time of David, Psalms of praise often had the context of victories from the battles of the Israelites.
Even in the USA, our national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, was composed by Maryland lawyer Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 after seeing the American flag flying over Fort McHenry in the Baltimore harbor after the fort received a night of canon fire from the British Navy.
Wars and rumors of wars have been and will continue to be a theme of history. Jesus says. . .
You will hear of wars and threats of wars but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom (Matthew 24:6-7a).
In ancient Israel, Psalm 149 indicates the key to victory over the enemies of God’s chosen people. . .
Praise his name with dancing, accompanied by tambourine and harp. For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let the faithful rejoice that he honors them (vv. 3-5a).
From these verses, we understand that God ultimately bestows victory to warring nations, not the great strategies of generals nor the prowess of armies and navies. Only a country that remains faithful to God and gives Him glory will experience what we have today in America.
And this leads to another discordant note as I read Psalm 149. Has the United States run through God’s grace, relying now on a perceived blessing of God on our land, when we resist more and more His righteousness?
The last verse of Psalm 149 contains a promise and an implied threat of God’s vengeance. . .
To execute the judgment written against them. This is the glorious privilege of his faithful ones. Praise the Lord! (v. 9)
God’s people. . . God’s country. . . should fight for God’s justice and holiness, but our attempts will bring ultimate defeat if we don’t walk in His ways!