Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 149:2
Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
2. Jehovah is Israel’s Maker (Psa 95:6; Psa 100:3; Isa 44:2; Isa 51:13), for to Him it owes its original existence as a nation, and the present restoration of its national life; now that it has no earthly king, it acknowledges Him as its true King as in days of old (1Sa 8:7; 1Sa 12:12), and celebrates the glory of His kingdom, which is universal (Psa 145:1; Psa 145:11-13), yet in an especial sense has its seat in Zion (Isa 52:7).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Let Israel – The people of Israel; the Hebrew people; the people of God.
Rejoice in him that made him – Him, who has made the people what they are. All that they have and are is to be traced to him, as really as the universe of matter is to be traced to his power. Their condition is not one of development, or one which is the result of their own wisdom, grace, or power. See the notes at Psa 100:3 : It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves. Compare Isa 54:5.
Let the children of Zion – Those who dwell in Zion or Jerusalem.
Be joyful in their King – In God as their king.
(a) That they have a king, or that there is one to rule over them;
(b) That they have such a king; one so wise, so powerful, so good;
(c) That he administers his government with so much efficiency, impartiality, equity, wisdom, goodness. Compare Psa 100:3-5.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Psa 149:2
Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
The children of Zion joyful in their King
I. Believers in their character as the children of Zion.
1. Zion is here used as the name of the kingdom of which all believers are the subjects.
2. But while believers are subjects they are also children.
(1) They entered the Kingdom by birth–born of God.
(2) Inherit it–brethren of Christ–sons of God–heirs of God–joint-heirs, etc.
(3) High place in the Kingdom–childrens interests and affection. Behold, what manner of love, etc.
II. Jesus Christ in His character and office of King of Zion.
1. Anointed. I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion.
2. A Legislator. The Lord is our Lawgiver.
3. An Administrator. Zion, Thy God reigneth.
4. He subdues to His laws.
(1) His people are under authority.
(2) None else can, without sin, be called the King of Zion.
(3) Believers must not yield obedience to any other in Zion.
(4) Submission to Christs officers is submission to Christ.
5. He defends His subjects (Gal 4:22).
III. The children of Zion joyful
1. Joy–a fruit of the Spirit–Reioice in the Lord.
2. Joy–a command–Be joyful.
3. Joy–a feeling, often beautifully expressed in the prophecies and songs of Zion.
4. This joy a most natural and proper feeling. They possess–
(1) Deliverance.
(2) Acquaintance.
(3) Safety.
IV. The children of Zion joyful in their King. They rejoice–
1. Because Jesus Christ the Lord reigneth.
2. Because of His greatness and glory.
(1) He is a Divine King–the Eternal God.
(2) He is a Kinsman and Brother.
(3) He is a Redeeming King.
3. Because of the blessings which He has and gives.
4. Because of the relations in which He stands to them.
5. Because of what He has done for His people–for them–in them.
6. Because of what He will still do for His people–
(1) For each of them.
(2) For the whole house.
(a) On earth.
(b) In Heaven–throughout eternity. (J. Stewart.)
The children of Zion joyful in their King
I. Believers are the children of Zion.
1. Zion is often used as an emblem of the Church of God (Psa 2:6; Isa 28:16; Rom 9:33; 1Pe 2:6).
(1) It was stable (Psa 125:1); so is the Church (Mat 16:18).
(2) It was secure (Psa 48:3; Psa 48:11-12); so is the Church (Eph 5:29).
(3) The situation of Zion was exceeding beautiful (Psa 48:2); so is that of the Church (Mat 5:14).
(4) Zion was a holy mountain; because on Mount Moriah, which joined it on the north-east, the temple of God was built (2Ch 3:1; Psa 48:1); the Church is holy (Eph 5:27).
(5) Mount Zion was peculiarly loved by God (Psa 88:2); so is the Church (Eph 5:25).
2. Believers are children of Zion by birth. Naturally we are all aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise (Eph 2:11-12).
3. Believers can continue children of Zion no longer than while they retain faith (Heb 10:38).
4. Zion is emblematic of heaven (Heb 12:22; Rev 14:1; 1Co 2:9; Rev 22:4; Rev 22:10-21).
5. Believers are children of Zion by a title to heaven (Act 26:18; Eph 1:18; Col 1:12; 1Pe 1:3-4).
II. Believers have a King.
1. Royalty is the centre of supremacy. A king is a supreme governor. God in this sense is the King of believers.
2. Royalty is the source of legislation. God is the Legislator of His people. His code is more pure than any ever conceived by the human mind for the perfection of human jurisprudence (Rom 7:12).
3. Royalty is the fountain of protection (Job 1:10; Psa 5:12; Psa 27:1; Psa 37:17; Psa 37:39; Psa 55:22; Psa 118:8-12; Psa 146:3-6).
III. Believers should be joyful in their King.
1. Because He is the most glorious and dignified of all beings.
(1) Consider His nature. He is the independent Jehovah.
(2) Consider His moral attributes.
2. Because by His charter they enjoy great privileges and immunities. He communicates to them through His Spirit an evidence of their acceptance (Rom 8:16); and through His Word exceeding great and precious promises (2Pe 1:4). They possess peace and joy (Rom 14:17; Rom 15:13).
3. Because the monuments of their great men are protected. The Bible is a record of the saints. In it are contained monuments of their patience, meekness, courage, faith and heavenly-mindedness, Here we are taught to admire their virtues, and excited to follow their example (Heb 6:12).
4. Because their enemies are totally inefficient to disturb His government (Deu 33:26-29; Psa 93:1).
5. Because His kingdom will ultimately be universal, and all opposing powers will be destroyed.
IV. Remarks.
1. How great and glorious is the moral elevation of a believer, and how insignificant does the honour of this world appear contrasted with the dignity of a Christian!
2. How great should be our solicitude to become subjects of the spiritual kingdom of Jehovah.
3. How indefatigable should we be in spreading the knowledge of God by personal instruction, by example, and by the dedication of property, talents and influence! (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.)
Believers joyful in their King
I. The Lord Jesus is our King.
1. He is in person and character pre-eminent-above all others even of the saintliest, and wisest, and noblest.
2. To each believer He is a King to be obeyed. When His blood cleanses us, His love rules us.
3. He is King in the midst of His Church. Secular courts have no authority in the Kingdom of Jesus.
4. He will be seen to be King in the day of His second advent.
II. His royal character.
1. Was there ever such a Prince as our Emmanuel, if we think of His person, His pedigree, His descent, His nature? This King of ours is not only the flower and crown of manhood, but He is also very God of very God. He is God over all, blessed for ever: the Son of the Highest.
2. His deeds of love to us.
3. His glorious achievements.
4. The principles of His government. They are fountains of peace and purity.
III. The benefits of His reign.
1. He is the Creator of His own empire. Each one of us must own for himself, and all of us together unitedly, that He hath made us, and not we ourselves; by His sovereign grace He has chosen, and redeemed, and called, and sanctified us, therefore will we be joyful in Him.
2. While our King has created His own kingdom, He has also sanctified and sustained that kingdom. Let the streams rejoice in the fountain, let the walls of the temple be joyful in the foundation.
3. It is He who has saved us and given us peace.
4. Is there anything that is needful which He has not given? Is there anything that is good that He has withheld? Have we any virtue? have we any praise? Then not unto us, not unto us, but unto His name be the glory. Nor is it alone in the past and in the present that we are debtors; we look forward to a future of obligations.
IV. Let us be joyful in the continuance of the Redeemers reign.
1. The ages past have not taken away from the length of His reign.
2. The age of our King has not enfeebled Him.
3. As to His Kingdom, there is no fear of its failing.
V. Let us obey Him with delight. Let us take into our hands a duty and a thanksgiving, a precept and a praise. Let us make up our whole life of the intertwisting of duty and delight. Let us be holy and happy. Let us turn obedience into gladness. That which else were drudgery we will exalt to a priestly sacrificing as we serve the Lord with gladness and rejoice before Him. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Our King in joy
The Book of Psalms ends in a sacred tumult of joyous praise. He who ends this life with praising God will in like manner begin the next. Let us begin below the music which shall be prolonged through eternity. Like the birds let us welcome the break of day, which, when life is closing, faith discerns to be near. Concerning this joy, note–
I. It is peculiar to a certain people. Let the children of Zion be joyful, etc. No others can be. But ye children of Zion, be thus joyful–
1. Because of your loyalty. Ye delight to think that the Lord reigneth. But we are also–
2. Attached to His Person. It is not merely His throne, but Himself, that is dear to us. When any thus rejoice they sink themselves in Him, and this heightens our joy. And so does the admiration we feel for Him.
II. This joy has a most proper object. For we should rejoice to be ruled by Him, and that He is Lord of all, and that His power is so great, and His glory likewise. The old poem of one of our writers sings of the Man of Ross, and declares that every good thing in the town is owing to him and his benevolence. So that if you asked, Who built this fountain? or, Who founded yonder school? the one answer was, The Man of Ross. So surely if you ask us concerning our privileges, our hopes, yea, the vast all that we possess, our answer is, We owe them all to our King. Therefore let us be joyful in Him.
III. This joy is permanent in its source. Everything here below is uncertain. Many are the reasons for our disquietude. Nevertheless let us be joyful in our King. Yes, though ministers and Church members fall off from true doctrine; though there be many backsliding Christians, and so few zealous and really Christlike; though our own hearts be so cold, our prayers so unworthy, our work so scanty and our fruit so rare. Your bottle, like Hagars, may be dry, but yonder is the well of water which never can fail you. And when you come to die, then will he the time to be more than ever joyful in your King.
IV. This joy has certain occasions for its more especial display. When does a nation rejoice in its king? At his coronation. So, when Christ was crowned in our souls. At the royal marriage. So, when Christ united us to Himself. When peace is proclaimed after war. So, when peace was made in and for our souls. At victories. When He keeps His jubilee. On his levee days, when He receives His friends.
V. And this joy is sure to have practical results. An Eastern merchant of great wealth had in his employ a workman of great skill and genius in all works of art. But by some means this workman had fallen deeply into debt, and was sinking deeper day by day. He grew more and more depressed, and as he sank in spirit his old skill and power declined with it. Each product of his hand revealed less power. Meanwhile his creditor became more and more exacting, and at last threatened to sell the poor mans children as slaves, according to the law of the land, unless he was paid his debt. This weighed yet more heavily upon the poor mans soul, and his work was worse and worse. At length the merchant inquired of his steward how it was that this workman, once so renowned, was now producing nothing worthy of his former fame. No masterpieces come from him now, and our name suffers in the market and in the esteem of the merchants. How is all this? My lord, said the steward, he is daily of a sorrowful countenance and forgets to eat bread. He keeps a long and cruel fast, for he is drowned in debt and that to a cruel creditor, and his soul pines like the heath of the desert, and therefore his hand is slow as that of an herdsman, and his eye dull as that of the owl in sunlight. And this is why his hand hath forgot all its wonted cunning. Send for him, bring him hither, said his lord. He came. His lord told him that his debt should be all paid, and he and his set free. How that man worked afterwards! (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 2. In him that made him] Let them remember in their exultations to give all glory to the Lord; for he is the Author of their being and their blessings. And let them know that he is their King also; that they should submit to his authority, and be guided and regulated in their hearts and conduct by his laws.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
That made him; that made them not only his creatures, but, which is unspeakably greater, his people; or, that advanced and adorned them with singular privileges, as this word is used, 1Sa 12:6, and elsewhere.
Be joyful in their King; David and his posterity, and especially the chief of all of them, the Messiah. Let them rejoice and bless God that they have so potent, so wise, and so just a king.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
2. God had signalized Hisrelation as a sovereign, in restoring them to their land.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Let Israel rejoice in him that made him,…. Or, “in his Makers” i, Father, Son, and Spirit; as in Job 35:10; see also Ec 12:1; for all three Persons had a concern in the creation of man at first, “let us make man”, c. Ge 1:26 and have in the formation of every individual man; of the Israelites as men, and of them as a body politic and ecclesiastic, being raised up, constituted, and formed by the Lord in their civil and church state, and therefore had reason to rejoice in him, De 32:6; and so have all the spiritual Israel of God, whom he has chosen, redeemed, and called; every Israelite indeed, all who are the workmanship of God, the people he has formed for himself, and to show forth his praise: these should rejoice in God the Father, who has chosen them in Christ, blessed them with all spiritual blessings in him, sent him to redeem them, has justified them by his righteousness, pardoned their sins through his blood, adopted them and made them heirs of glory; and in the Son of God their Redeemer, they should rejoice in his person, in his righteousness, sacrifice, and fulness; and in the Holy Spirit, who has regenerated and sanctified them, is their Comforter, and the earnest of their future glory;
let the children of Zion be joyful in their King: not in David, unless as a type, but in his Son, the King Messiah, who is King of Zion; and therefore the children of Zion, the church, who are born of her, the mother of us all, and born in her through the ministry of the word, and brought up there by means of the Gospel, and the ordinances of it; such as are regenerate persons, sons of God, and members of Gospel churches, should rejoice in Christ, the King of saints; that they have such a King over them, who is the greatest of Kings, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; so righteous in the administration of his government, so wise in making laws for them, so powerful to protect and defend them; and who must reign tilt all enemies are put under his feet, even for ever and ever. Every appearance of Christ’s kingdom is matter of joy to saints; his first coming was as a King, though in a mean and lowly manner; yet joyful to Zion and her children, Zec 9:9; his ascension to heaven, when he was declared Lord and Christ; the pouring forth of his Spirit, and the success of his Gospel in the Gentile world, to the overthrow of Paganism in it, Re 12:10; and especially it will be an occasion of great joy to his subjects, when he takes to himself his great power, and reigns, Re 11:15.
i “in factoribus suis”, Gejerus, Michaelis; so Ainsworth.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
2. Let Israel rejoice in his Maker. He insists upon the same point, that the Lord’s people should rest firmly persuaded that their family had not been chosen out in vain from the rest of the world, but that God would be mindful of his covenant, and not allow the mercies which he had extended to them to fail or become extinct. Although they had been temporarily deprived of the inheritance of the land of Canaan, which was the pledge of their adoption, the Psalmist calls God their Maker, and king of the sons of Zion, to remind them that when adopted to a pre-eminency above other nations, this was a species of new creation. So in Psa 45:6, the Israelites are called “the work of God’s hands,” not merely because they were like other men created by him, but because he had formed them anew, and distinguished them with a new honor, that, of being separated front the whole human race. The name king has a wider signification, intimating that as this people was at first formed by God, so it was with the view of their being ever governed by his power. The musical instruments he mentions were peculiar to this infancy of the Church, nor should we foolishly imitate a practice which was intended only for God’s ancient people. But the Psalmist confirms what has been already mentioned, that their religious assemblies which had been for a time interrupted would soon be restored, and they would call upon the name of the Lord in the due order of his worship.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
2. In him that made him The Maker of Israel corresponds to King in the next member of the verse, and refers not so directly to the act of creation, as to Jehovah’s act of constituting, and now resuscitating, their national and Church organization and life. The Hebrew word “made,” ( ,) though sometimes used interchangeably with the word create, here properly takes the sense of form, construct, constitute. The reconstruction of their civil and religious polity, however, was like a new creation.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
DISCOURSE: 750
JOY IN CHRIST
Psa 149:2. Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
IT appears somewhat strange that a religion coming from heaven, and purporting to make men happy, should almost universally be considered as a source of melancholy, and as destructive of all personal and social comfort. But it may be easily accounted for: religion calls men from the pleasures of sin, and promises them sublimer pleasures in its stead. But unregenerate men, knowing nothing of spiritual joy, have no idea that any such thing exists; whereas the joys, which they are to sacrifice, have afforded them many a delicious feast. Hence, till, through faith in the divine records, they feel the bitterness of sin, or taste the felicity of Gods chosen, they will and must suppose, that they are called to relinquish what is substantial, and to grasp a shadow. But the saints of old have invariably attested, that religions ways are ways of pleasantness and peace: and David, who was no incompetent judge of this matter, exhorts every subject of the Redeemers kingdom to rejoice in Zions King. We shall,
I.
Explain his exhortation
Who are the children of Zion?
[Not every man by nature, seeing we are children of wrath [Note: Eph 2:3.]; not any man by education, since it is beyond the power of man to convey to others such principles and dispositions, as are necessary to bring them into that near relation to the Church of God [Note: 1Co 3:7. Joh 1:13.]: we must be born from above, through the influence of Gods word and Spirit [Note: 1Pe 1:23.]; and till a supernatural change has been wrought on all the faculties of our souls by God himself, whatever we may profess to be, we are, beyond a doubt, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel [Note: 2Co 5:17. Joh 3:5.].]
Who is their King?
[It is to Christ alone that this name belongs [Note: Zec 9:9.]. He is indeed the King of all the earth, and has the whole creation under his control. But, in this sense many are his subjects who despise his person and hate his government: whereas over Zion he reigns by the most cordial consent of all his people, there not being so much as one who does not know him, love him, serve him, and desire the very thoughts of his heart to be subjected to his law. On the other hand, he affords them his protection, supplies their every want, and makes them victorious over all their enemies.]
What is their duty towards him?
[It is not sufficient that they yield obedience to his will, as slaves to a tyrant whom they fear: they must love his person, delight in his commands, be zealous for his glory, and rely humbly on his care. In a word, they must rejoice in him. This is essential to the Christian character [Note: Php 4:4; Php 3:3.]: and, if we attain not to this spirit, we are more inexcusable than the Jews, and obnoxious to a heavier doom [Note: Deu 28:45; Deu 28:47.]. We say not indeed that the children of Zion are never to mourn: for mourning is both introductory to joy, and consistent with it; yea, it is even a very necessary ingredient of that joy, which we ought to feel in the contemplation of Christs character and offices: and the more fervently we love him, the more deeply shall we lament, that our love and joy are so disproportioned to his worth.]
The several parts of the exhortation being explained, we shall,
II.
Enforce it
Here, changing only the order, each part that has been explained, suggests a powerful argument for rejoicing in Christ. Consider,
1.
The duty itself
[What can be more pleasant? It is not to any painful duty we are called, but to rejoice, and to have all the faculties of our souls engaged in the very employment of heaven. What can be more reasonable? If religion furnished us with no grounds of joy, or were as empty and unsatisfying as the world, it would be unreasonable to expect any happiness to flow from it: but it sets before us innumerable occasions of joy; and not only permits, but enjoins, us to bear our part in the felicity of Gods chosen. Shall we not then obey the call?]
2.
The object in whom we are to rejoice
[This is none other than our adorable Emmanuel, who combines in himself all the perfections of the Godhead, and all the excellencies of the most spotless manhood. Moreover, the love he has manifested towards his subjects, is such as infinitely surpasses our highest conceptions: he assumed our nature, and died for us, while we were in actual rebellion against him. And what a delightful sway does he exercise over them! So light and easy is his yoke, that there is not one of his laws, no, not one, which may not be summed up in this, Be happy. What rewards too does he bestow, not on a few favourites only, but on all his subjects! There is not one of them whom he does not make a king like unto himself, and place upon a throne like unto that on which he himself is seated at the right hand of God [Note: Rev 1:6. Joh 14:3.]. Shall we refuse to rejoice in such a King as this?]
3.
The persons called upon to rejoice
[If this exhortation were addressed to the children of this world, they might reply, We know him not; we see no beauty in him for which he is to be desired; nor have we cause to expect any thing at his hands but wrath and fiery indignation: how then shall we rejoice in him? But the children of Zion know that he is fairer than ten thousand, and altogether lovely: they have experienced the virtue of his blood to purge a guilty conscience, and the efficacy of his grace to sanctify a polluted heart. For them he makes continual intercession in the presence of God; for them he every moment exercises his almighty power; and for them he is coming shortly to judge the world, that he may take them to himself, to behold his glory, and participate his blessedness, for ever and ever. Shall they then be reluctant to comply? Surely, if they be, the very stones must cry out against them [Note: Luk 19:40.].]
Address
1.
To those who have never yet rejoiced in Christ
[What relation can you have to Zion? How can it be said of you, This man was born in her [Note: Psa 87:5-6.]? And what excuse can you urge before God? Your ignorance of Christ? This is your sin, and not your excuse. He is willing to make you happy under his government, if you will submit yourselves unto him. Kiss him then, in token of your reverence and subjection, lest he be angry, and ye perish for ever [Note: Psa 2:12.].]
2.
To those who are going on their way rejoicing
[Take care that you make Christ, and not your own frames or feelings, the object and ground of your joy. And guard against pride, self-confidence, and sin of whatever kind, knowing that such things will vitiate, and destroy, all the happiness of the soul. Davids advice must ever be attended to, Rejoice with trembling [Note: Psa 2:11.].]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
Psa 149:2 Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
Ver. 2. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him ] And new made him, Eph 2:10 , and thereby highly advanced him, as 1Sa 12:6 . The Hebrew hath it, In his makers, to show the Trinity of persons concurring in the work both of creation and regeneration. So Gen 1:26 Job 35:10 Isa 54:5 Ecc 12:1 . See Psa 100:3 .
Be joyful in their King
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Israel. Compare the Structure.
children = sons.
Zion. See App-68.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
rejoice: Psa 100:1-3, Psa 135:3, Psa 135:4, Deu 7:6, Deu 7:7, Deu 12:7, 1Sa 12:22, Job 35:10, Isa 54:5
let the: Isa 52:7, Isa 62:11, Isa 62:12, Joe 2:23, Zec 9:9, Mat 21:5, Mat 25:34, Luk 19:27, Luk 19:38, Joh 19:15, Joh 19:19-22, Phi 3:3, Rev 19:6
Reciprocal: Gen 1:26 – Let us Deu 32:6 – made thee 2Ch 29:30 – they sang Neh 8:10 – the joy Psa 9:14 – in the gates Psa 44:4 – my king Psa 90:14 – that we Psa 100:3 – it is he Psa 145:1 – my God Psa 147:12 – praise thy God Son 1:4 – we will be Isa 13:3 – them that Jer 8:19 – her king Eze 16:7 – excellent ornaments Hos 13:10 – I will be thy king Hab 3:18 – I will rejoice Luk 13:34 – thy Rom 5:11 – but we Phi 3:1 – rejoice
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
149:2 Let Israel rejoice in him that {b} made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their {c} King.
(b) In that they were preferred before all other nations, it was a new creation, and therefore Psa 95:7 they were called the sheep of God’s hands.
(c) For God as he is the creator of the soul and body, so will he that both two serve him, and that his people be continually subject to him, as to their most lawful king.