Psalm 149:9
to execute the judgment written against them. This honor is for all His saints. Hallelujah!
to execute the judgment written against them
This phrase speaks to the fulfillment of divine justice. The Hebrew root for "execute" is "עָשָׂה" (asah), which means to do, make, or carry out. It implies an active role in bringing about God's decrees. The "judgment written" suggests a preordained plan or decree, possibly referring to the laws and prophecies found in the Scriptures. Historically, this could be seen as a call for the Israelites to uphold God's justice against nations that opposed His will. In a broader spiritual sense, it reflects the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness over evil, a theme consistent throughout the Bible.

This honor is for all His saints
The word "honor" in Hebrew is "הָדָר" (hadar), which conveys a sense of glory, majesty, or splendor. It is significant that this honor is not reserved for a select few but is for "all His saints." The term "saints" comes from the Hebrew "חָסִיד" (chasid), meaning faithful or holy ones. This indicates that all who are devoted to God and live according to His statutes share in this privilege. It underscores the communal aspect of faith, where every believer is called to participate in God's redemptive work. This is a powerful reminder of the dignity and responsibility bestowed upon the followers of God.

Hallelujah!
The verse concludes with "Hallelujah," a Hebrew expression meaning "Praise the Lord." This exclamation is a call to worship and a response of joy and gratitude for God's righteous acts. It serves as a fitting conclusion to the psalm, encapsulating the themes of divine justice, the honor of the saints, and the ultimate praise due to God. The use of "Hallelujah" here is both a declaration and an invitation for all believers to join in the celebration of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It is a timeless reminder of the joy found in serving and glorifying the Lord.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Saints
Refers to the faithful followers of God, often seen as those who are set apart for His purposes. In the context of this Psalm, they are the ones who will execute God's judgment.

2. The Nations
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of Psalm 149 includes the nations against whom God's judgment is executed. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's justice being enacted on a global scale.

3. Judgment
The divine decree or decision that is to be carried out by the saints. This judgment is "written," indicating it is part of God's established plan.

4. Hallelujah
A Hebrew word meaning "Praise the Lord," which concludes the verse, emphasizing the joy and honor associated with fulfilling God's will.
Teaching Points
The Honor of Participation
Believers are honored to participate in God's plan, including the execution of His righteous judgment. This is a privilege and a responsibility.

Understanding Divine Justice
God's judgment is not arbitrary but is written and established. Believers should trust in His perfect justice and timing.

Praise as a Response
The call to "Hallelujah" reminds us that our response to God's plans, including His judgments, should be one of praise and worship.

Living as Set Apart
As saints, we are called to live lives that reflect our set-apart status, preparing us to fulfill God's purposes.

The Role of Scripture
The "written" judgment underscores the importance of Scripture as the foundation for understanding God's will and actions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the role of the saints in executing judgment affect your view of your identity as a believer?

2. In what ways can you prepare yourself to participate in God's plans, both now and in the future?

3. How does the concept of divine justice in Psalm 149:9 relate to your understanding of justice in today's world?

4. What are some practical ways you can live a life that is "set apart" as a saint in your daily context?

5. How can the call to "Hallelujah" in this verse inspire your worship and praise in both personal and communal settings?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Revelation 19:11-16
This passage describes Christ's return to execute judgment, highlighting the role of the saints in God's plan.

1 Corinthians 6:2-3
Paul speaks of the saints judging the world, reinforcing the idea that believers have a role in God's judgment.

Deuteronomy 32:41-43
This passage speaks of God’s vengeance and recompense, which aligns with the theme of divine justice in Psalm 149.
The Best Lot the Common LotW. L. Watkinson.Psalm 149:9
The Honour Paid to Saints DepartedN. Marshall, D. D.Psalm 149:9
The Limitation of All Human VengeanceR. Tuck Psalm 149:9
Cumulative PraisePsalm 149:1-9
The Song of the SaintsD. Dickson.Psalm 149:1-9
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Execute, Faithful, Glory, Godly, Hallelujah, Holy, Honor, Honour, Jah, Judgment, Ones, Praise, Punishment, Saints, Sentence, Writings, Written, Yah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 149:4-9

     1070   God, joy of

Psalm 149:6-9

     4336   iron
     7155   saints

Library
The Dance
Heinrich Suso Ps. cxlix. 3 To praise Him in the dance! O glorious day! The pilgrim journey done-- No more press forward on the weary way, For all is reached and won! His Hand at last, the Hand once pierced for me, For ever holdeth mine; O Lord, no songs, no harps of heaven wil be Sweet as one word of Thine. Lord, altogether lovely! then at last High shall the guerdon be, Thy kiss outweigh the weary ages past Of hearts that brake for Thee. ...... Yet now I know Thee as the hidden Bread, The living
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

The Millennium in Relation to Sin.
In spite of the fact that Satan will have been removed from the earth, and that Christ reigns in person over it, yet conditions here will not be perfect even in the Millennium. Unregenerate human nature will remain unchanged. Sin will still be present, though much of its outward manifestation will be restrained. Discontent and wickedness will not be eradicated from the hearts of men, but will be kept beneath the surface by means of the Iron Rod. Multitudes will yield to Christ nothing but a "feigned
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles.
[Sidenote: 1140, October] 42. (23). Malachy embarked in a ship, and after a prosperous voyage landed at his monastery of Bangor,[576] so that his first sons might receive the first benefit.[577] In what state of mind do you suppose they were when they received their father--and such a father--in good health from so long a journey? No wonder if their whole heart gave itself over to joy at his return, when swift rumour soon brought incredible gladness even to the tribes[578] outside round about them.
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Wisdom and Revelation.
"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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