Friday September 8th, 2017 Psalm 149
Let Israel be glad in its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. (verse 2)
Wow, talk about mixed messages! We shouldn’t be too surprised; the scriptures, and in particular the psalms, are full of them. Today we read Psalm 149, which starts as a most beautiful hymn of praise, then very quickly moves to a call for victory through vengeance. We begin with musical instruments and dancing and end with swords and executions.
One can only imagine such texts have been taken out of context and used to start or justify crusades and holy wars against anyone who thinks differently.
The psalm is a call to rejoice in a saving God, and the overarching message of the biblical story is that salvation comes from the love of God, with the love of neighbour and in the love of the stranger. How will you praise God this day-with music and song or with weapons and judgment?
SWH — SWH
Contributed by Sing a New Song
Wow, talk about mixed messages! We shouldn't be too surprised; the scriptures, and in particular the psalms, are full of them. Today we read Psalm 149, which starts as a most beautiful hymn of praise, then very quickly moves to a call for victory through vengeance. We begin with musical instruments and dancing and end with swords and executions.
One can only imagine such texts have been taken out of context and used to start or justify crusades and holy wars against anyone who thinks differently.
The psalm is a call to rejoice in a saving God, and the overarching message of the biblical story is that salvation comes from the love of God, with the love of neighbour and in the love of the stranger. How will you praise God this day-with music and song or with weapons and judgment?
