Psalm 149 7

Psalm 149:7 kjv

To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;

Psalm 149:7 nkjv

To execute vengeance on the nations, And punishments on the peoples;

Psalm 149:7 niv

to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples,

Psalm 149:7 esv

to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples,

Psalm 149:7 nlt

to execute vengeance on the nations
and punishment on the peoples,

Psalm 149 verses

Psalm 149 7 Meaning

Psalm 149:7 describes the active role of God's saints in executing His righteous judgment. It declares that the faithful, empowered by the Most High, are to implement divine retribution upon the nations (goyim) and administer God's just chastisements upon various peoples (le'ummim) who oppose His sovereignty. This action is part of the climactic culmination of the Hallelujah Psalms, where praise to God intertwines with the manifestation of His justice in the world. This execution of vengeance is not personal retaliation but rather a divinely ordained, just recompense for rebellion against God, often seen through the lens of ultimate, eschatological events or spiritual authority granted to believers.

Psalm 149 7 Context

Psalm 149 is one of the final Hallelujah Psalms, a song of joyous praise for God's redemptive power and future reign. It calls upon the "saints" or "faithful ones" of Israel to actively praise God with song, dance, and musical instruments (Psa 149:1-3). The Psalm then transitions, celebrating God's favor toward His people, particularly His promise of salvation, glorifying the humble, and binding kings and nobles in chains (Psa 149:4-5, 8). Verse 7, immediately following a mention of a "two-edged sword in their hands" (Psa 149:6), highlights the purpose of this empowerment: to execute God's judgments. Historically, this psalm could reflect anticipation of victories against surrounding oppressive nations or the ultimate eschatological fulfillment of God's kingdom. It paints a picture of a triumphant, worshipping community that also functions as an agent of divine justice.

Psalm 149 7 Word analysis

• To execute (לַעֲשׂוֹת - la'asot): The Hebrew word means "to do," "to make," "to perform," or "to carry out." Here, it signifies the active implementation or accomplishment of judgment, emphasizing that it is not passive but an authoritative action. This carries a strong sense of commission and divine enablement.

• Vengeance (נְקָמָה - neqamah): This term denotes retribution or vengeance, but importantly, in the biblical context, when applied to God or those acting on His behalf, it refers to righteous judgment and vindication, not personal spite or emotional retaliation. It is a necessary act to uphold justice and rectify wrongs.

• Upon the heathen (בַּגּוֹיִם - ba-goyim): Goyim is a broad term for nations, gentiles, or non-Israelite peoples. In many Old Testament contexts, especially in Psalms of judgment, it refers to nations that oppose God or oppress His people, those who practice idolatry and wickedness, thus making them objects of divine wrath and corrective judgment.

• And punishments (תּוֹכֵחוֹת - tokheḥot): This Hebrew word can mean "rebukes," "reproofs," "chastisements," or "punishments." While it can have a disciplinary, instructional connotation, in this context, alongside neqamah ("vengeance"), it strongly emphasizes punitive judgment for wrongdoing, indicating decisive consequences.

• Upon the people (בַּלְאֻמִּים - bal'ummim): Le'ummim is another term for nations or peoples, largely synonymous with goyim in this parallel structure. Its inclusion broadens the scope of the judgment, emphasizing that all who stand in rebellion against God are subject to His righteous judgment, not just a specific group.

• Words-group analysis

  • "To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people": This parallelism highlights the two aspects of divine justice – both punitive retribution (neqamah) and the infliction of just penalties (tokheḥot). The doubling of terms for nations (goyim and le'ummim) underscores the universal reach of this judgment against all those outside of God's covenant of grace who persist in wickedness. It signals a comprehensive application of justice against those who oppose God's kingdom.

Psalm 149 7 Bonus section

This psalm is often considered eschatological, meaning it points to the final, climactic events of human history. The "saints" are not just historical Israel but also the faithful people of God across all ages who will participate with Christ in His ultimate triumph and rule. The passage speaks to the culmination of the conflict between God's kingdom and the rebellious nations, signifying the full establishment of God's righteous governance on earth. The enthusiasm for battle, typical of ancient near eastern conquest songs, is here imbued with a spiritual and theological depth, where human action is fully subsumed under divine will and purpose. This isn't just about earthly conflict, but the eternal victory of the Kingdom of God.

Psalm 149 7 Commentary

Psalm 149:7 describes the glorious and active role of God's redeemed people in the unfolding of His divine justice. It’s not a call to individual physical violence or private revenge, but a prophetic declaration of the ultimate authority bestowed upon the saints. This execution of vengeance is righteous judgment, the antithesis of chaos, bringing God's order to a world in rebellion. While it may have resonated with ancient Israel's holy wars, in a broader, prophetic sense, it anticipates the future reign of Christ with His saints (as shown in the New Testament), where they will co-rule and participate in His just administration, even over nations and spiritual forces. The "two-edged sword" mentioned in the preceding verse is, for the believer, often understood not as a literal weapon, but the powerful and discerning Word of God (Heb 4:12), used in spiritual warfare and righteous decree.

For instance, in our practical usage as believers, we participate in this "vengeance" not through physical combat, but through fervent prayer for God’s justice to prevail, by actively upholding righteous standards in our lives, by declaring the truth of His Word, and by anticipating the return of Christ when He will personally execute final judgment.