What does Psalm 149:1 mean?
The psalmist calls on the people of Israel to sing a new song of tribute to the Lord. This is to be done when all of His people are gathered for worship. This call begins with the phrase halelu-yāh, literally meaning "praise the Lord!"Worshiping God in the tabernacle (Leviticus 8:1; Deuteronomy 12:11–14) and later in the temple (1 Kings 6:1) was essential to the nation. The Lord promised to meet His people at the ark of the covenant, where two cher-ubim looked down upon the mercy seat—the lid of the ark (Exodus 25:17–18)—where the high priest sprinkled sacrificial blood (Leviticus 16:15).
Christians approach the Lord with joyful praise because Jesus' shed blood covers their sin. Believers have direct access to God (Hebrews 4:14–16; 10:19–20). Hebrews 10:10 assures born-again Christians that they "have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." The same passage encourages Christians to approach God in sincerity and confidence (Hebrews 10:22). Christians are also advised to continually offer praise to God through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 13:15).
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.
