Read
A New Song of Praise
1Shout praises to the Lord!
Sing him a new song of praise
when his loyal people meet.
2People of Israel, rejoice
because of your Creator.
People of Zion, celebrate
because of your King.
3Praise his name by dancing
and playing music on harps
and tambourines.
4The Lord is pleased
with his people,
and he gives victory
to those who are humble.
5All of you faithful people,
praise our glorious Lord!
Celebrate and worship.
6 Praise God with songs
on your lips
and a sword in your hand.
7Take revenge and punish
the nations.
8Put chains of iron
on their kings and rulers.
9Punish them as they deserve;
this is the privilege
of God's faithful people.
Shout praises to the Lord!
Reflect
To keep an attentive audience it is easier to speak of joy than of judgment.
If a church introduced a new worship song based on the words of this psalm I expect the congregation would readily respond to the first half, singing praise to God and worshiping with lifted hands, but I imagine the themes of the second half would reduce their enthusiasm significantly as the psalmist calls for an avenging Israel to defeat her enemies.
How do we reconcile praise and punishment? Songs and a double-edged sword?
There is a phrase in the middle of the psalm that seems to bridge these two seemingly very different actions: ‘[The Lord] gives victory to those who are humble.’
A sword in the hand of a proud person is a weapon of cruelty. A sword entrusted to a humble person will be used very differently – in defence of justice, for protection or to maintain peace. We are called to use power under God’s direction, with the understanding that only he grants success.
The New Testament speaks of a force even sharper than a double-edged sword. This is the sword of the Spirit – the word of God. As we rejoice in God he reveals himself to us, and in the midst of the battle with darkness his word protects our faith from harm.
And our most certain victory rests in the promise that our songs of praise welcome a greater Word, the humble Christ, who conquers sin on our behalf and leads us into his glory.
Respond
Lord God, you are worthy of praise and we rejoice to be called your people. Your word defeats our darkness and leads us into victory. Help us remain humble and obedient warriors in your kingdom, fighting only for the glory of your name. Amen.
Miriam Wickett
Miriam Wickett works as an occupational therapist in the Greater Vancouver area but has thoroughly enjoyed being the author of daily online prayer compilations on her Blue Stone City site, and collaborating with Scripture Union Canada as a result. She shares a vision for the city with her community at Tenth Church, serving as the refugee support ministry co-ordinator, and spends summers as a volunteer camp director on beautiful Thetis Island, B.C.