LET ISRAEL REJOICE

This psalm is an exhortation to Israel, God’s own chosen people, to fulfil its responsibilities in worship. After all, that nation had a knowledge and an experience of Jehovah enjoyed by no other, Psa. 147. 20, and “unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required”, Luke 12. 48. Yet this was no burdensome duty but a high privilege, “this honour have all his saints”, Psa. 149. 9.

Israel is reminded of its divine formation, v. 2. That miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage by blood and power was the nation’s birthday, Exod. 12. 2. We too are redeemed, and love to look back to Calvary as the basis of our eternal relationship with God, for there “Christ our passover” was sacrificed for us, 1 Cor. 5. 7.

But Israel was not rescued to wander aimlessly; rather it was given a king, Jehovah Himself, Psa. 149. 2, who provided His people with divine legislation governing every aspect of life. The Mosaic law, with its civil, ceremonial and moral instruction, set Israel apart as a nation under God. Similarly, the local assembly is a theocracy where God’s Word, not man’s fashions or traditions, holds sway.

Again, Israel was distinguished by jubilation, as it rejoiced in a God who had done so much for His people, condescending even to dwell in their midst, vv. 3, 5, 6. Christian worship involves reverent joy tempered with holy astonishment as we recall that God “spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all”, Rom. 8. 32. And He is always present where His saints gather to Him, Matt. 18. 20.

Being owned by Jehovah ensures continuing salvation, v. 4, and just as the Israelites were guaranteed national preservation, Jer. 31. 35-37, so we are sustained all the way, Jude 24. Those whom God saves He keeps! But whereas Israel’s occupation was as the effective instrument of divine government in the world, vv. 6-9, we today are strangers and pilgrims, submitting ourselves to earthly rulers, 1 Pet. 2. 11-14, and patiently awaiting the Lord from heaven. When He comes, and not before, we shall reign, Rev. 20. 4; 22. 5.

“Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end”, Eph. 3. 21.