What does Psalm 149:8 mean?

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).