Psalm 149:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds.

NIV: Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.

NASB: The godly ones shall be jubilant in glory; They shall sing for joy on their beds.

CSB: Let the faithful celebrate in triumphal glory; let them shout for joy on their beds.

NLT: Let the faithful rejoice that he honors them. Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds.

KJV: Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.

NKJV: Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds.

Prior verses called on the people of Israel to worship the Lord with singing, dancing, and music (Psalm 149:1–3). Here, the description mentions those who are "godly" or "faithful" (Psalm 86:2). Those who revere the Lord (Proverbs 1:7) and follow His leadership (Psalm 25:4) have ample reason to celebrate (Psalm 128:1). In this context, the psalmist assumes that the people of Israel fit this description. God blessed Israel with His special revelations (Psalm 147:19–20) and guidance (Romans 9:4–5). These benefits should result in praise. In fact, they should be a source of constant joy. Even when a believer is at rest—literally "on their beds"—they ought to re-flect this sense of grateful worship.

Christians have even greater reason for this level of joy: a call to proclaim the gospel and anticipation of eternity with the Lord (Colossians 1:27). Knowing Christ will appear to fulfill our hope of glory ought to inspire joy (Colossians 3:4).

Psalm 149:1–5 summons Israel to praise the Lord, their Creator and King. The praise should be joyful and include dancing and singing—even when resting in bed. The Lord takes special pleasure in His chosen people, especially those who remain humble and accept His salvation.

The psalmist calls on Israel to praise the Lord God who is their King. He celebrates the Lord's special concern for Israel and expects the people to respond with joy. The song also calls on Israel—the Old Testament nation—to live out God's commands to overcome the depraved nations of Canaan as they were instructed after the exodus (Deuteronomy 7:2; 9:5). This will fulfill prophecy and be a source of honor for those who obey God.

The English word "hallelujah" comes from the Hebrew expression halelu-yāh. This unique phrase only occurs biblically in the book of Psalms; many instances are in the last five entries (Psalms 146—150). Each of these last songs begins and ends with this phrase which literally means "praise the Lord!" The later verses call on the Old Testament people of Israel to fulfill their intended role as instruments of the Lord's vengeance on evil nations (Deuteronomy 7:2; 9:5; Ezekiel 25:14).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 2/17/2025 3:18:36 AM