WARFARE WORSHIP (2)

“Let the HIGH PRAISES of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations...” – Psalm 149: 6-7a

The impact of WARFARE WORSHIP transcends personal domains to the realms of nations: “Let the HIGH PRAISES of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples” (Psa.149:6-7). Psalm 149 is a picture of what happens in the Spiritual Realm when we worship. The psalm begins with a call to praise the Lord and sing to Him a new song (v.1). Specifically, it starts with the command, “Hallelujah!” which means “Praise the Lord!” and extends to the singing of a new song, singing out of the inspiration of the heart (v.1). For us this could mean, singing with the spirit – in unknown tongues – and with the understanding (1Cor.14:15).  

Next is an exclamation of the Joy and privilege of belonging to God and being a part of His special people: “Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion be joyful in their King…For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation” (vv.2-4). God’s people are to praise Him, even “aloud on their beds” (v.5). The psalm presents pictures of different expressions of Worship: spontaneous songs, the dance, instruments, and on the bed! It is from this Joy that Praise and Worship flow in the form of “High Praises” in the Believer’s mouth. This battle had nothing to do with personal vengeance but was about fighting for God’s Honour. As God’s people at that time was the physical nation of Israel, it was a battle against physical enemies.

The sharp sword was given to God's people, to “execute vengeance on the nations” and “execute on them the written judgement” (vv.7a, 9a). Why the sudden juxtaposition of praise and the sword? The psalm was not endorsing any use of the sword or violence for selfish gain. Rather, executing God’s Justice against those who deserved divine punishment, having perpetrated injustice. Of course, God's Justice is not only about punishing the wicked. It includes treating people rightly, caring for the poor, and liberating the oppressed: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?“ (Mic.6:8). Worship in prayer and song must be matched by worship in justice and kindness.

In the New Covenant, Believers in Christ are God’s Special people (1Pet.2:9). His Church belongs to Him (Mt.16:18). The citizens of this spiritual Kingdom are called Christians, saints, believers, or children of God, each indicating a special relationship with God the Father and Jesus. Since we belong to Him, we are honoured to be able to worship and praise Him. It’s also our responsibility to fight for His cause. However, our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of darkness and evil (Eph.6:12). The “sharp sword” in our hand is not made of metal, but rather of God’s Truth. It is “the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Eph.6:17). The battle begins in our minds when we face the temptations that are ever before us (2Cor.10:3-6).

Praise and Worship exalt God, but represent Warfare to the enemy. True Worship embraces the sound of heaven in the earth as a victorious battle cry! Believers are in a Battle! God wants us to learn how to fight, and become Overcomers in Him. Worship is Warfare in God’s Kingdom and we must practice His Presence in the place of Worship, if we are to defeat the enemies! Rather than misuse Psalm 149 to incite or justify violence; we must be inspired to embark on Victorious Warfare against the enemy. It was on the strength of such psalms that martyrs went to the stake, mounted the scaffold, or endured the rack. Men, women and children were dragged to jail singing Psalms along the way, while dungeons resounded with the Worship of God and living, uplifting words.