Ps. 149: Praise as a Weapon?

Psalm 149:6 "May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands."

So, another commandment to praise God. We've covered numerous times how wonderful it is and appropriate it is to praise God. David and the psalmists have issued several lists and given lots of reasons why God is due the praise of His saints.

The 149th Psalm takes a bit of a departure. This is the first time I can recall, or at least that I noticed that the praise of God could be a weapon. A double-edged sword. Created to cut down enemies. The praise of God accomplishes a few things here before unwritten.

• Inflicts vengeance
• Punishes the people
• Binds kings with fetters
• Binds nobles with shackles
• Carries out the sentence against them

Pretty interesting. Of course it couldn't be the actual praise of God that does all these things. Right? Could this be a case of morale? Even though Israel may be scuffling, struggling, they still cry out to God in worship. Would that serve to dishearten their captors or oppressors? Or is it a case of fulfillment of the covenant. Praising God reflects a close relationship between Israelite and God, resulting in or as a result of Israel keeping their end of the bargain. When this happened, God saw fit to crush Israel's oppressors...you know, inflicting vengeance, throwing off kings and serving as God's hand of punishment against those who did not follow God's law.

Praise the Lord and grab your sword!

Ps. 148: Everybody Praise!

Psalm 148:3 "Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars."

As crazy a thought as it may be to picture "inanimate" objects like the sun, moon and stars praising God, it is precisely what is happening. All these things listed in the 148th Psalm are commanded to praise God for his power. God hung them there in space, set them spinning, and for that reason, and that power, these things praise God. Creation, dragons of the deep, weather phenomena...when they do what they are intended and created to do, that is their act of worship. Let's not forget the first time we had this image of the sun, moon, and stars paying homage...Joseph's dream back in Genesis 37. (note)

I am reminded again of the concept of "to obey is better than sacrifice." God deserves their obedience for his great power and love. These things, the sun, moon, stars, the rain, mountains, the trees...their "walk" as it were, is only pure. They have no need to sacrifice. Yet they were brought under the curse back in Genesis, at the fall of man. But their constant obedience leads to their blamelessness. Yeah, a lot like David.

This Psalm ends with another mention of the concept of raising up a "horn." I suppose this means a king, a monument, an example, whereby God establishes himself among his people, and his people see this horn, and know that God is the LORD.

Ps. 147: Just Worship

Psalm 147:1 "Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!"

"Pleasant" and "fitting" are the words used to describe worship of God. It's the right thing to do for people who believe in him and trust in him. With all the things listed that are praiseworthy, it makes sense. If a person believes in God, and trusts in him wholeheartedly, it would stand to reason that the things taught to that person are true. If that person believes these praiseworthy things are true, how could that person not lift up songs of worship to God? From this Psalm, it is pretty clear that God isn't owed worship. God doesn't need worship, he is due worship.

Consider verse 10. God's pleasure is not in the strength of a horse, or in the legs of a man, his delight is in those who fear him, and put their hope in his unfailing love. I believe this speaks to the efforts that a person makes. While sacrifices and the like were intended to restore a person's relationship with God, God still makes it very clear that "to obey is better than sacrifice (1 Sam 15)." God is, and always has been, after a man's heart. He takes great pleasure in a person simply trusting in him and his love to save.

If anyone is wondering if God had this type of revelation and commands for any other nation, its pretty clear in the final verse that the Israelites are God's people. So, if God doesn't reveal his laws to these other nations, how do they know they are breaking God's laws? Does it matter? Does Israel reveal God's laws to these other nations?

Ps. 134: Ascent of Servanthood

Psalm 134:3 "May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion."

This appears to be a reminder to the priests, and those who work in and around the sanctuary...whether that's the temple or the tabernacle to praise God. I wonder if they can get locked into some sort of monotony or autopilot on the "job," and forget why they are there, the reason for their servanthood. It's a reminder that God is real to them, and worthy of their praise as well. It's not just their responsibility to facilitate worship, but to participate in worship as well.

Ps. 119: Acrostic Time

This is the longest chapter I've read to this point, and it isn't really close. There are 22 subdivided sections of 8 verses each, apparently beginning with a different letter in the Jewish alphabet. That is interesting. It was probably useful in memorization. Which is good, because it is so long. Many of these are brief reviews and cribs of previous Psalms.

Aleph - vs 1-8 - A call to be obedient to the good and righteous commands God made. This results in great blessing.

Beth - vs 9-16 - Purity comes from following God's statutes. Wholehearted seeking of God's laws prevent sin against Him.

Gimel - vs 17-24 - The importance of committing to remember and take to heart what the LORD decrees. To want one's soul to be consumed with longing for God's word.

Daleth - vs 25-32 - In humility, a desire to learn, and a recognition of a person's place in life, fully depending on God. Choosing truth instead of living in deceit.

He - vs 33-40 - Turning from worthless things, from pointless ways to God's commands to find meaning.

Waw - vs 41-48 - Demonstrating the Psalmists commitment to do the things God asks..."I will" answer, trust, walk in truth, obey, speak of God's statues, lift up one's hands, and meditate on God's decrees.

Zayin - vs 49-56 - Trusting in God's promise of deliverance, as well as committing to follow God's precepts.

Heth - vs 57-64 - It's not easy to change one's path in life, but the command is to follow God. And that is the writer's promise here. It takes effort.

Teth - vs 65-72 - A willing student, eager to be taught and to learn God's good precepts, more precious than silver and gold.

Yodh - vs 73-80 - The writer understands that he reflects God to others, and wishes to be a role model to those who see him. His fear of God drives him to be an example.

Kaph - vs 81-88 - In spite of hardship and adversity, emphasis on that which comes from men out to torment him, the writer trusts in God, and holds to God's promises.

Lamedh - vs 89-96 - Given that God's laws are eternal and everlasting, and given that a person holds to these laws, wouldn't it stand logic's test to believe that man can be eternal and everlasting? I mean, at some point when it all goes down.

Mem - vs 97-104 - Boasting on the good things that have happened and the great wisdom and knowledge gained from desiring and meditating on God's laws and precepts.

Nun - vs 105-112 - Guided only by the word of God, the writer demonstrates his commitment to following God in spite of hardships.

Samekh - vs 113-120 - Sort of a message to those who wish to oppose the writer, and by extension those who oppose God. It's not a friendly message. It's not looking for compromise. God sustains those who love him and uphold his laws.

Ayin - vs 121-128 - The Psalmist throws himself on God's mercy and justice, realizing that he follows God's laws, and trusts God for protection. He doesn't just hope for the best.

Pe - vs 129-136 - Total commitment to the word of God evokes an emotional reaction when others do not share this commitment. Amazing.

Tsadhe - vs 137-144 - Trouble, distress and adversity befall the writer here, but his encouragement, his sustenance comes from the word of God, and its not just sustenance. It is delight.

Qoph - vs 145-152 - Total devotion to God's statutes...with time and heart and energy and lifestyle.

Resh - vs 153-160 - Facing harm and persecution from those who do not fear God, the Psalmist wishes to remind God that he closely keeps God's laws.

Sin and Shin - vs 161-168 - Persecuting rulers don't make the writer tremble the way God does. Because of this, he keeps God's laws and loves them.

Taw - vs 169-176 - The writer is able to do and to become many great things because of God and the things God does for him. Great things that involve worshipping God and giving him the flory.

Ps. 96: How to Worship

Psalm 96:5 "For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens."

The 96th Psalm does a few things. First, it declares who God is. Second, it instructs God's people what we are supposed to do about it. Third, it reveals creation's ability to worship God.

God is worthy of praise, dwelling in splendor, and, unlike hand carved gods made by men, created the heavens. Because of this, we sing a new song to him (this Psalm is one of them), praise his name, and declare his salvation, day after day. Also, we tell others about the marvelous deeds he has done. Ascribe glory and strength to God and bring him offerings. These are methods of worship. Even simply trembling before God in his power seems to be a way to worship, as it acknowledges God's glory and strength, when words fail.

Even non-human creation serves to worship God...the seas, the mountains, the fields, the trees...they find their jubilance in God...God brings them joy. That's quite a ponderous thing. Maybe some of the religious beliefs of the native American faiths aren't so far off, in the idea that creation is conscious of who their God and creator is? Thoughts?

Ps. 95: Worship the Rock

Psalm 95:1 "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation."

It is good to worship God. He is the creator and protector of all things. He created all things seen and unseen, and this alone indicates unspeakable power. And above all things, he is a good God, seeking that we have great blessing, like a sheep receives protection and providence from his shepherd. That is pretty awesome.

The Psalm ends with a warning not to astray like they did at Meribah and Massah, a reference to Exodus 17 and the Israelites' desire to return to Egypt and captivity. This quarreling led to their 40 years of wandering. Not a fun time.

Ps. 92: Worship and Thought

Psalm 92:5 "How great are your works, O LORD, how profound your thoughts!"

Worshipping God for his good deeds is a good thing. Right to do. Commanded? No. But if you experience God and allow yourself to understand him and his wonders on the level that the Psalmist does, how could you not? Even though life may not be so wonderful all the time, it is God who is unwavering, who brings the blessing, who has such profound thoughts that he is deserving of praise.

I am also struck by the thought in verses 6 and 7. It takes a level of intellectual honesty and fitness to see the evildoers enjoying such great lives and flourishing, that it is temporary. Eventually that tangible success will be destroyed. And that's something that I personally must remind myself. I don't want to consider myself senseless or a fool (though I must admit I am at times), so I need to realize that true success is to be a man after God's own heart, as David is. To fail, but yet to be so close to God that failure doesn't crush my own true sense of self, and that is that I am beloved by him. 

I want to be that palm...that Lebanon cedar...bearing fruit into old age. Not passing away like scattered enemies.

Ps. 86: Save David

Psalm 86:11 "Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name."

David is back again, and in typical David fashion has a Psalm asking for deliverance. 

Why should God deliver David?

Why does God have to deliver David?

And why is David in this trouble? Is he not a man after God's own heart? Didn't God say to follow his words and not waver to the right or to the left and one will live long and prosper (Dt. 5)? Well, David often stood in need of God's forgiveness. He wasn't perfect, but he was blameless, due to his constant back-and-forth with God, his total transparency before God.

David describes God in worship, and it's really quite beautiful. Forgiving, abounding in love. That's quite a description, and it speaks to what David knew he needed. God was everything David lacked. And was the only God that David could say that about.

I'm not sure when all nations will bow before God. It hasn't happened yet. But I'm no prophet. And they will worship Him? I really find that very difficult to believe, unless something drastic happens.

At the end of the 86th Psalm, David asks God for a sign. Something that will secure and comfort David, and also put his enemies to shame. I'm not sure what that sign is. Perhaps the promise that David would always have a light in the tabernacle?

Ps. 81: A Decree to Rock

Psalm 81:16 "But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you."

Instruments! Music! These are how you express yourself in worship! It's loud and energetic and a celebration. You gotta blow the horn to mark the feast. Probably so everyone starts at the same time.

It is God who brought the people out of Egypt. No one else. Not any of those gods Israel had allowed into their homes. False gods. Gods who they had never even heard of when they were celebrating the most awesome exodus in their history. Why begin to trust them now? God hardened Pharaoh's heart. Israel bailed, and God closed the waters on the pursuing Egyptians.

It says in verse 12 that God "gave them over to their stubborn hearts." I wonder if this is how he "hardened" Pharoah's heart? Much ado is made about God controlling Pharoah, resulting in his refusal to allow Israel to leave, thus bringing the plagues upon him and his own people. Perhaps Pharoah was already a stubborn mule about all this, and God simply gave him over to his nature. His stubbornness. I'm not saying that's what happened, and I don't know Hebrew, but it makes sense to me, and God would do that. It sounds like God is a God that would throw up His hands and say, "Fine, have it your way."

And those who turn away from God would have their punishment last forever? That's a real long time. It doesn't say what that punishment is, but forever sounds like its unending to me.

Ps. 47: Praiseworthy Power

Psalm 47:8 "God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne."

This is a simple praise of God. It enumerates the things God has done. It calls first of all for a physical expression of praise. Clap your hands! Shout with cries of joy! Sure God is after the heart, the source of worship, but the Psalmist here encourages God's people to let it out, to let it show. Perhaps people will see this outpouring and just shrug it off. But perhaps they will see this happy shouting throng of people and wonder just what it is that motivates such expressions.

This Psalm also recognizes God as the ultimate power. Not just some faroff deity in charge of the universe, but one who is concerned about the affairs of men. God is the one who reigns over the nations, who subdues their leaders. It would seem then, that nothing happens without God's knowledge, and without his hand of influence.

So don't be afraid to shout if you're happy.

Ps. 33: The Ultimate Power

Psalm 33:22 "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you."

In the 33rd Psalm, the author firmly establishes the idea that God is the de facto power in the universe. This power, this greatness, is worthy of praise. The upright nation, whose God is the LORD, is fit to praise God. And this praise is to be done skillfully. It is not enough to just kind of slouch through the act of worship. Worship is always purposeful, intentional. Play skillfully, the psalmist says.

The God who is to be praised is the Creator. The one who by His words spoke everything into being and holds power over it. By him everything that lives stays alive (v. 19). It is God who holds the power over life and death.

There's a part in there talking about "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD (v. 12)." I've seen that often applied to the country in which I live, the United States. However, I wonder how often the second part of that couplet is missed or just glossed over. You know, the part that says "the people He chose for His inheritance." I believe this verse speaks more about Israel, the people God chose, than it does about any nation who happens to have a lot of God-followers in it. The emphasis I think is on the nation, not whose God is the LORD. And to apply it to the US is ridiculous, because as a nation (politically speaking) in general, I don't believe God is our LORD. Money is probably first, with government second. Israel is the nation whose God is the LORD. Their God is not Molech or Baal, so that comparison may come in to play as well.

That is why we praise. This Psalm is a list of reasons to praise God, and to reduce ourselves in the equation. Its all about what God does, not the size of a king's army.

1 Ch. 16: Sing A Song

1 Chronicles 16: "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done."

David establishes a place for the ark to dwell and then puts some Levites in charge of it. Then he passes out cakes to every Israelite, which I imagine is no small task.

Following that is David's song of praise to the LORD, a well from which Chris Tomlin and Michael W. Smith and others have drawn inspiration from modern praise songs. And they added a rockin' beat. I believe this is the first time this song is recorded in the Bible. It is a pretty interesting read. 

I tried to go through without singing the tune of familiar P/W songs, but it was kind of hard at times. David appears to have set a standard here ripe for imitation. Generally I find praise music rather bland, because of the repetitiveness and the common buzzwords. Do modern P/W "artists" try to be David? Probably not. They'd probably be the first to admit it. Its also interesting to go through and see ideas and concepts David thought were important that don't translate to modern P/W. Like in verse 12, remembering the judgments he has pronounced. No one wants to sing about judgment. Unless you are hardcore band. All the gods of the nations are idols (v.26)? That's not very joyful and inclusive.

And there is another reference to the land praising God. The land, creation, expressing emotion. Very interesting to me, that. Not in a weird new-agey mystical way, but I never really saw "creation," as a living, glorious created thing. I wonder what spiritual connection there is between creation, that is, non-humans, and the LORD.  

Ex. 15: The Song of Moses; Bitter Water Sweet

With the entirety of the Egyptian army now bloated and rotting corpses bobbing in the Red Sea, Moses and the Israelites revel in the vanquishing of their oppressors in song. This is lyrical worship at its simplest, and deepest.

This song sets a standard for worship in a couple of ways.

It recounts who God is - Highly exalted, our strength and defense, our salvation, a warrior, solely the LORD, majestic in power, holy, awesome, wondrous, unfailingly loving, the redeemer, a sanctuary, reigning forever.

It glories in the things that God has done or will do - Hurled horse and driver into the sea, drowned the best of Pharaoh's officers (who says worship has to be generic?), shattered the enemy, threw down (on) those who opposed him (and us), unleashed a consuming anger, piled up surging waters, covered the enemy, will guide us to His holy dwelling, will tremble the nations, will grip them with fear, power will be still as a stone, will bring His people in and plant them on the mountain of inheritance ( I claim this verse - Exodus 15:17 - right here...what an amazing thought, that God would plant us on a mountain of inheritance in the place He made for His dwelling...a beautiful sanctuary), will reign forever and ever.

It tells us who we are in Him - his subjects, those who exalt Him, benefactors of His power and victory, delivered, redeemed, protected, servants of the one and only God, purchased by Him (Ex. 15:16), We are His, and will be gathered unto Him someday.

After leaving the Red Sea, the Israelites were three days on the road into the Desert of Shur. They came to Marah, where the water was bitter. I don't know what makes water bitter, or why that's bad, but the Israelites were not happy with that. So they grumbled to Moses about it. Apparently some of them did not hear or remember the song.

So Moses passes the complaint on to God, and He pointed out a piece of wood to Moses to throw into the water, and it became sweet. You happy now, Israelites?

So the Lord then issues a ruling that if the Israelites listen carefully to God, and do what is right in His eyes, pay attention to His commands and decrees...basically do whatever He says, He will protect them from the diseases He brought upon the Egyptians. Because He is the LORD. Because He can do that.

We'll see how long this lasts.

Then the Israelites set up camp in Elim, where there were 12 springs (probably sweet) and 70 palm trees.