‏ Psalms 149

* Joy to all the people of God. (1-5) Terror to their enemies.

(6-9)1-5 New mercies continually demand new songs of praise, upon

earth and in heaven. And the children of Zion have not only to

bless the God who made them, but to rejoice in him, as having

created them in Christ Jesus unto good works, and formed them

saints as well as men. The Lord takes pleasure in his people;

they should rejoice in Him. When the Lord has made sinners feel

their wants and unworthiness, he will adorn them with the graces

of his Spirit, and cause them to bear his image, and rejoice in

his happiness for ever. Let his saints employ their waking hours

upon their beds in songs of praise. Let them rejoice, even upon

the bed of death, assured that they are going to eternal rest

and glory. 6-9 Some of God's servants of old were appointed to execute

vengeance according to his word. They did not do it from

personal revenge or earthly politics, but in obedience to God's

command. And the honour intended for all the saints of God,

consists in their triumphs over the enemies of their salvation.

Christ never intended his gospel should be spread by fire and

sword, or his righteousness by the wrath of man. But let the

high praises of God be in our mouths, while we wield the sword

of the word of God, with the shield of faith, in warfare with

the world, the flesh, and the devil. The saints shall be more

than conquerors over the enemies of their souls, through the

blood of the Lamb and the word of his testimony. The completing

of this will be in the judgement of the great day. Then shall

the judgement be executed. Behold Jesus, and his gospel church,

chiefly in her millennial state. He and his people rejoice in

each other; by their prayers and efforts they work with him,

while he goes forth in the chariots of salvation, conquering

sinners by grace, or in chariots of vengeance, to destroy his

enemies