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Psalm 149 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, And His praise in the congregation of the godly ones.
Psalms 149:1 NASB
What does it mean to sing to God a new song? What does the psalmist mean by “new song”? In Isaiah 42, we get a glimpse of this same theme.
Sing to the LORD a new song, Sing His praise from the end of the earth! You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it. You islands, and those who dwell on them.
Isaiah 42:10 NASB
This passage in Isaiah is most likely referring to the “second Exodus” where the Israelites were freed from Babylonian captivity. The reason it is referred to as a new song is that the first was Moses’ song after the Israelites were freed from the Egyptians. In this way, a new song can mean giving God praise and worship for a new work. Each of us has so many of these to thank Him for.
We can also understand this new song to be inspiring in a way that provides creativity and freshness. Musicians are always writing about their experiences in life as they look for new inspiration to hit them. When you consider all the various gifts that He has provided to each one of us, we should be turning around and using those gifts creatively and effectively for His Kingdom. We should seek new inspiration from His Word and in our personal prayer time.
“One of the primary emphases in the Book of Psalms is that the praise of God is to take place in the center of the worshiping community. Praise unites the people of God.”
Nelson’s Commentary
When we are working individually and collectively to bring a new song to God, He will be continually glorified, and we will be continually blessed.