Bible Commentary

Psalms 149:6-9

Matthew Henry on Psalms 149:6-9

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

Some of God's servants of old were appointed to execute vengeance according to his word. They did not do it from personal revenge or earthly politics, but in obedience to God's command. And the honour intended for all the saints of God, consists in their triumphs over the enemies of their salvation.

Christ never intended his gospel should be spread by fire and sword, or his righteousness by the wrath of man. But let the high praises of God be in our mouths, while we wield the sword of the word of God, with the shield of faith, in warfare with the world, the flesh, and the devil.

The saints shall be more than conquerors over the enemies of their souls, through the blood of the Lamb and the word of his testimony. The completing of this will be in the judgement of the great day.

Then shall the judgement be executed. Behold Jesus, and his gospel church, chiefly in her millennial state. He and his people rejoice in each other; by their prayers and efforts they work with him, while he goes forth in the chariots of salvation, conquering sinners by grace, or in chariots of vengeance, to destroy his enemies.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 149:1-9EXPOSITION A "Hallelujah Psalm," combining the praise of God for mercies already received with anticipations of future vengeance, through God's help, on heathen enemies that are still bent on persecuting God's "loving o…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 149:1-9God's pleasure in us, and ours in him. The more particularly inviting passage is found in the fourth verse; but those before and after are also suggestive. Taking them first, and that last, we have— I. THE CONSTANCY OF…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 149:6Let the high praises of God be in their mouth; literally, in their throat (comp. Isaiah 58:1). And a two-edged sword in their hand. Some understand this metaphorically. But the weapons of Jewish warfare in Nehemiah's ti…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 149:6Song and stroke. "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their handy "The age when such a psalm was most likely to be produced was undoubtedly that of the Maccabees, and the coincidence…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 149:7To execute vengeance upon the heathen. Not private revenge, but the just vengeance which a threatened nation has, from time to time, to execute on its persecutors in self-defense. And punishments upon the people; rather…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 149:8To bind their kings with chains. Even royal captives were thus treated in the ancient world. Assyrian and Babylonian monarchs always represent their captives, even when kings, as fettered. Nebuchadnezzar "bound Zedekiah…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 149:9The limitation of all human vengeance. "To execute upon them the judgment written." "It was the thought that vengeance was the righteous retribution, written in the book of God, which made Israel glory in inflicting it.…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 149:9To execute upon them the judgment written. The allusion is probably to Deuteronomy 32:41, Deuteronomy 32:42, where God announces the judgments that he will execute upon the oppressors of his people. This honor have all…Joseph S. Exell and contributors