Salmos 149:1-3

1. A call to rejoice in the Lord 149:1-3

The psalmist exhorted the Israelites to praise God enthusiastically and wholeheartedly. Their praise should be spontaneous and fresh, the connotations of a "new song" (cf. Psalms 33:3; Psalms 40:3; Psalms 96:1; Psalms 98:1; Psalms 144:9). They should also praise Him publicly, in company with the other godly (Heb. hasidim) in the nation, because He had done something new for them. He had restored them and given them hope of final eschatological victory (cf. Psalms 149:6-9; Revelation 14:3). In common with Psalms 148 (especially Psalms 149:14), this one also uses several synonyms to describe the Israelites. The nation should remember its Maker, who formed the family of Abraham into a nation at the Exodus. Dancing and musical instruments were fitting accompaniments for such joyful celebration.