Psalm 149 9

Psalm 149:9 kjv

To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalm 149:9 nkjv

To execute on them the written judgment? This honor have all His saints. Praise the LORD!

Psalm 149:9 niv

to carry out the sentence written against them? this is the glory of all his faithful people. Praise the LORD.

Psalm 149:9 esv

to execute on them the judgment written! This is honor for all his godly ones. Praise the LORD!

Psalm 149:9 nlt

to execute the judgment written against them.
This is the glorious privilege of his faithful ones.
Praise the LORD!

Psalm 149 verses

Psalm 149 9 Meaning

Psalm 149:9 declares that God's saints are divinely appointed to participate in the execution of judgment already decreed and recorded in the sacred scriptures. This role is presented not as a burden but as a profound honor bestowed upon all who belong to the Lord. The verse culminates in a powerful call to praise, recognizing that this authority and privilege stem solely from God's character and plan. It signifies the eventual triumph of God's righteous rule and the participation of His faithful people in His sovereign purposes against all forms of ungodliness and opposition.

Psalm 149 9 Context

Psalm 149 is one of the final Hallelujah Psalms, beginning and ending with "Praise the Lord" (Hebrew: הללויה, Hallelujah). The chapter is an exuberant call for God's saints to sing a new song to Him, to rejoice in their Maker and King (vv. 1-2). It speaks of them dancing, praising with tambourine and lyre, for the Lord takes pleasure in His people and adorns the humble with salvation (vv. 3-4). The focus then shifts dramatically in verses 5-9 to the activity of these saints. They are called to rejoice, with high praises in their mouths and "a two-edged sword in their hand" (v. 6) to execute vengeance and punishment upon the nations and peoples. This section leads to verse 9, where this "judgment written" is executed by them. Historically, the psalm likely reflects the military triumphs and zealous devotion of the Israelites, possibly during periods like the Maccabean revolt, where the pious fought for the glory of God against their oppressors. However, within the broader biblical context and prophetic understanding, these verses extend beyond literal national conflicts to encompass the spiritual authority and future participation of God's people in His eschatological judgment and reigning with Christ.

Psalm 149 9 Word analysis

• To execute (לַעֲשׂוֹת - laʿăśōwt): This Hebrew infinitive literally means "to do" or "to make," but in context, it carries the strong sense of performing, carrying out, or bringing to completion. It implies a definitive and authoritative action, not merely a wish or desire, but an active participation in fulfilling a purpose.

• upon them (עֲלֵיהֶם - ʿǎlêhem): Refers directly to "the nations" (גּוֹיִם - goyim) and "the peoples" (לְאֻמִּים - ləʾummîm) mentioned in verse 7. These are entities standing in opposition to God and His purposes, embodying the forces of wickedness and spiritual rebellion.

• the judgment (מִשְׁפָּט - mišpāṭ): This Hebrew word denotes justice, legal decision, verdict, or divine ordinance. Here, it signifies the decreed will and righteous sentencing of God. It is not an arbitrary act but a divinely righteous decree, the final determination of what is right and wrong.

• written (כָּתוּב - kāṯūḇ): This adjective (masculine singular participle of the verb "to write") emphasizes that the judgment is pre-ordained, established, and formally recorded. It's not a new, spontaneous judgment, but one found in the sacred scriptures—prophecies, laws, and divine decrees, thereby making its execution a fulfillment of divine truth.

• this honour (כָבוֹד - kāḇōwd): This rich Hebrew term signifies glory, majesty, splendor, weightiness, or reputation. For God's saints, participation in divine judgment is portrayed as a source of immense honor, privilege, and spiritual weightiness, stemming from their intimate connection with God's majesty and righteous reign.

• have all his saints (חֲסִידָיו - ḥăsîḏāyw): "Saints" here translates the Hebrew plural noun חֲסִידִים (ḥăsîdîm), which refers to those who are loyal, pious, faithful, or devoted, derived from חֶסֶד (ḥeseḏ - loyal-love, steadfast love, covenant love). These are not merely morally upright people, but those who are in a covenant relationship with God, characterized by devotion and love for Him. The inclusion of "all" underscores the universal nature of this honor for every true believer.

• Praise ye the Lord (הַלְלוּ יָהּ - Halləlû-yāh): A command to praise, combining "Praise!" (imperative of הלל – hālal, to praise, commend, boast) and "Yah" (short for YHWH, the LORD). This triumphant call concludes the verse and the entire Psalm, highlighting that even this mighty authority granted to saints ultimately directs all glory back to God, the source of their power and privilege.

• "To execute upon them the judgment written": This phrase underlines divine authority and fulfillment. The "judgment written" refers to prophetic declarations throughout scripture concerning the fate of the wicked and the ultimate victory of God’s kingdom. This is not human-initiated retribution but God’s will being manifested through His chosen instruments, much like prophets delivered God’s word of judgment.

• "this honour have all his saints": This phrase emphasizes the unparalleled dignity bestowed upon God's people. Their role is not a mere task but an esteemed privilege. It signifies their active participation in the consummation of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His perfect rule, where justice prevails over all opposition. This is distinct from self-aggrandizing pride; it's a reflection of their close relationship with the righteous God.

Psalm 149 9 Bonus section

The Hebrew word mišpāṭ (judgment) in this context signifies divine, lawful, and ethical pronouncements, distinguishing it from mere human opinion or retaliatory action. It assures believers that their involvement is always aligned with God's perfect justice. The "written" aspect emphasizes divine sovereignty and predetermination, meaning that the outcome is certain because it is part of God's eternal decree. The honor itself isn't earned by human effort but is a gracious gift from God, stemming from His delight in His ḥăsîdîm—those loyal to His covenant love. This eschatological participation implies that believers are not only redeemed from judgment but also called to participate in judgment, an incredible privilege that reflects their unique union with Christ, who is the ultimate Judge. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate vindication awaiting the faithful and the complete triumph of God's kingdom.

Psalm 149 9 Commentary

Psalm 149:9 provides a powerful and climactic conclusion to a Psalm focused on the praise of God by His people. It reveals that the saints' worship is not passive but leads to an active, empowered role in God's cosmic plan. The "judgment written" refers to a predetermined, established decree, clearly revealed in God's word concerning the triumph of His righteousness over ungodliness. This encompasses Old Testament prophecies of Messiah's coming kingdom, His decisive victory over His enemies, and the establishment of true justice. The honor bestowed upon "all His saints" implies their co-regency and participation with Christ in His final judgment and kingdom reign, as clearly interpreted in the New Testament (1 Cor 6:2-3; Rev 20:4).

This participation should not be misconstrued as believers taking up physical arms to enforce a theocracy in the present age. Instead, within the broader New Testament understanding, it primarily points to their spiritual authority—exercised through fervent prayer, proclamation of truth, discernment, and ultimately, their future role with Christ. The "swords" of earlier verses, when applied spiritually, become "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph 6:17). The church's current execution of "judgment" is manifested in faithfully living out God's will, exercising discernment, confronting spiritual darkness through the power of Christ, and evangelizing to establish His kingdom. In the future, it foreshadows their role in Christ’s ultimate reign where all enemies are subjected. This ultimate honour underscores the high calling and blessed destiny of every believer, as they are truly joint-heirs with Christ in His glory and rule.