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New American Bible

2002 11 11
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Chapter 149

1

1 Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song, a hymn in the assembly of the faithful.

2

Let Israel be glad in their maker, the people of Zion rejoice in their king.

3

2 Let them praise his name in festive dance, make music with tambourine and lyre.

4

For the LORD takes delight in his people, honors the poor with victory.

5

3 Let the faithful rejoice in their glory, cry out for joy at their banquet,

6

With the praise of God in their mouths, and a two-edged sword in their hands,

7

To bring retribution on the nations, punishment on the peoples,

8

To bind their kings with chains, shackle their nobles with irons,

9

4 To execute the judgments decreed for them -  such is the glory of all God's faithful. Hallelujah!

 

 




1 [Psalm 149] A hymn inviting the people of Israel to celebrate their God in song and festive dance ( Psalm 149:1-3, 5) because God has chosen them and given them victory ( Psalm 149:4). The exodus and conquest are the defining acts of Israel; the people must be ready to do again those acts in the future at the divine command ( Psalm 149:6-9).



2 [3] Make music with tambourine and lyre: the verse recalls the great exodus hymn of Exodus 15:20.



3 [5] At their banquet: literally, "upon their couches." The people reclined to banquet.



4 [9] The glory: what brings honor to the people is their readiness to carry out the divine will, here conceived as punishing injustice done by the nations.






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