Psalms 149 - Introduction

A.M. 2957. B.C. 1047.

The design of this Psalm is to excite and encourage God's people to praise him, either, 1st, For their deliverance out of Babylon, and the promises God had given them of perfecting their restoration, and enlarging their power and dominion in the world; or, rather, 2d, For the establishment of the kingdom of Israel in David's hands, and for that safety, glory, and victory over their enemies, which they had obtained, or expected by that means. But, added to this, the psalmist, or the Spirit of God, who dictated this Psalm to him, had a further prospect in it, even to the kingdom of the Messiah, of whom David was a type, and who, in the chariot of the everlasting gospel, was to go forth, conquering and to conquer. Several, even of the Jewish doctors, apply this Psalm to the Messiah's kingdom; but mistaking, as usual, the time, place, and nature of that kingdom, imagine it will receive its accomplishment by their being made rulers of the nations, and lords of all things here below. The psalmist exhorts to praise God,

(1,) For his love to his people, Psalms 149:1. And,

(2,) For enabling them to overcome their enemies, Psalms 149:6.