“Let Israel Rejoice in Their Maker” Psalm 149

Sing to the LORD a new song Hallelujah Sing to the LORD a new song – a part of our praise and that of Israel is singing. In the assembly of the saints – a part of our public assemblies

Sing to the LORD a new song Singing is beneficial – Colossians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 14:15 It can cause us to think about and exalt God We encourage one another It is an effective way to remember God’s word & teachings

Sing to the LORD a new song Sing a new song All psalms, when first penned were new songs! Psalm 33:3, 40:3, 96:1, 98:1, 144:9, 149:1 – always directed to the LORD Isaiah 42:10 Revelation 5:9, 14:3; 15:3 – in heaven A new song is something fresh

Sing to the LORD a new song All songs we sing are new at first An old song may be new to someone Some don’t like new songs, or certain types of songs (and some don’t like the older, traditional songs) But why? Is it a scriptural reason or preference? Let us NOT bind our preferences!

Sing to the LORD a new song All songs we sing are new at first Let us NOT bind our preferences! What makes a song acceptable? Scriptural, and suitable for the assembly (when sung together) – It is about the message Sometimes new songs are good as they keep our worship from becoming too routine.

Sing to the LORD a new song Let Israel rejoice in their maker, Zion joyful in their king A frequent theme of the psalms

Sing to the LORD a new song Let them praise Him with the dance Many of the ways Israel worshipped God are different from today – animal sacrifices, incense, Sabbath observances, instruments and DANCING!

Sing to the LORD a new song Praise Him with the dance The dance of the OT of such occasions is NO comparison to modern day dancing. Simply defined – dancing is moving to music, or moving joyfully (e.g. jumping up & down) Ecclesiastes 3:4 – a time to mourn, a time to dance

Sing to the LORD a new song Praise Him with the dance Dancing to God in OT: Miriam & women – Exodus 15:20-21 A yearly “feast of the LORD” – Judges 21:19-21 David, “leaping and whirling before the LORD” as the ark was brought into Jerusalem – 2 Samuel 6:14-15

Sing to the LORD a new song Praise Him with the dance There is NO command in LOM to dance as part of worship. Because of this, we do not know what was involved I suspect there was nothing sensual or provocative about it

Sing to the LORD a new song Praise Him with the dance Dancing with idolatry – Exodus 32:19 Whatever they did as dancing, it has NO foundation in NT worship. NOR is it comparable to modern dancing

Sing to the LORD a new song Praise Him with the dance Modern dancing is: NOT about praising God More than jumping and twirling. Involves movements with the opposite sex that provoke feelings

Sing to the LORD a new song Praise Him with the dance Modern dancing is: Often include lust, uncleanness, lewdness (lasciviousness), “and the like” Galatians 5:19-21 This would include night clubs, school dances and dancing parties Consider also example and environment The point of our text – they were praising God joyfully

The LORD takes pleasure He takes pleasure in His people We have emphasized the type of behaviors God expects –loyalty to Him, honorable and caring behavior. Psalm 35:27 He will beautify the humble with salvation – humility a character of the godly! James 4:6, 10

The LORD takes pleasure Let the saints be joyful in glory and sing aloud on their beds We ought to joyfully serve God at all times, EVEN when no one else is looking. Both good and bad times Philippians 4:4 Matthew 6:6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth – exalted praise

A two-edged sword A two-edged sword in their hand Imprecatory. This psalm has been misused to justify violence in religious history.

A two-edged sword This concept is contrary to what the NT teaches A two-edged sword in their hand This concept is contrary to what the NT teaches Jesus warned of suffering - Matthew 10:17-19, 22, 34-37 How are we to address our enemies – Matthew 5:43-44, Romans 12:17-21 2 Corinthians 10:4 Jesus did NOT advocate retaliation against His enemies, ever!

A two-edged sword A two-edged sword in their hand Bear in mind, we are spiritual Zion. Israel was a physical nation that had borders to defend, etc. Even in this they were to put their trust in God – such is the nature of imprecatory psalms

A two-edged sword To execute vengeance on the nations, punishments on the peoples - Consistently, God called for punishment of the wicked – this INCLUDED Israel and Judah! To bind kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron – leaders and instigators were accountable!

A two-edged sword To execute on them written judgments – God’s word instructs us, but it also warns. Judgment only comes AFTER warnings! We too must respect God’s will (in His word), trust Him, and heed His warnings!

A two-edged sword This honor have all His saints – We will see God’s will prevail We must trust Him, even with our enemies - When we do, we will be vindicated – Romans 12:19-21, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 cf. 1 Corinthians 6:2 – “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?”

Let us praise Him with great joy, even as we face the troubles of this world Do you trust Him?