What does Psalm 149:8 mean?
ESV: to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron,
NIV: to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron,
NASB: To bind their kings with chains, And their dignitaries with shackles of iron,
CSB: binding their kings with chains and their dignitaries with iron shackles,
NLT: to bind their kings with shackles and their leaders with iron chains,
KJV: To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;
NKJV: To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron;
Verse Commentary:
In the ancient world, warfare was exceptionally brutal and heartless. Modern distinctions between soldiers and civilians were vague at best. When the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem, they slaughtered many of the people. Their treatment of prison-ers and captives was horrific (2 Kings 25:7; 2 Chronicles 36:17). Sadly, this suffering came in part because Israel refused to follow God's original command to erase horrible evil from the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 7:1–5; 9:4–5). Then they fell further and further into sin, ignoring the Lord's warning (2 Chronicles 36:15–16).

In this psalm, Israel is encouraged to make good on these goals, according to the Lord's instructions (Psalm 149:9). Putting chains on kings and other royalty was both literal and symbolic. It meant control and domination. The same is true of "fetters" or "shackles:" restraints locked onto the wrists or an-kles.

By the time this psalm was written, Israel had already been in the Promised Land for some time (2 Samuel 5:7) and their opportunity to literally fulfill these commands was effectively gone. Most interpreters sense a look to the future in these words (Psalm 45:3–6). Sin will always lead to death and judgment (Romans 6:23). Personal vengeance is not part of that plan (Romans 12:19). But evil will bring suffering (2 Thessalonians 1:6–10; Galatians 6:7).
Verse Context:
Psalm 149:6–9 calls on godly Israelites to continue their praise of God while executing His commanded judgment on ungodly nations. These actions were commanded by God after the exodus; they were instructions to Israel alone, regarding those pagan nations alone. As Israel follows these commands, they fulfill God's prophecies and bring honor to them-selves.
Chapter Summary:
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.
Chapter Context:
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).
Book Summary:
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.
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