“Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples, to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron, to execute on them the judgment written! This is honor for all his godly ones. Praise the Lord!” (Psalms 149:6-9; all Scripture quotations are from the English Standard Version).

The last five chapters of Psalms comprise a series of “hallelujah psalms,” because each song begins and ends with the same word in Hebrew: “hallelujah,” meaning “praise the Lord.” Praise matters to God, so much that the longest book of the Bible is a compilation of praise and worship songs.

Psalm 149 is unique. The first five verses call God’s people together to praise the Lord with singing, dancing, and musical instruments. Praise is usually not quiet: it bursts forth from within us as God’s love and joy overflows (John 7:38).

However, in the middle of verse 6, the focus changes. The psalmist goes from urging his listeners to worship to calling them to warfare. It is no longer a feel-good praise and worship song; it is now a battle cry. We have sung about God’s love and mercy long enough; now it is time to take up our weapons and execute vengeance in His name.

The link between worship and warfare may sound foreign to us, but it is thoroughly scriptural. King David wrote much of the book of Psalms (most likely including this chapter). He was also a brave warrior who rose to prominence in Israel by defeating Goliath in battle (1 Samuel 17). The warrior-king was also a worship leader. Throughout the Old Testament, Levites frequently preceded the army into battle, singing praises to God.

Worship and warfare still belong together. We may no longer be fighting Philistines, but Christians are still at war:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:10-13).

We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but we are still at war. Paul writes that we are fighting the rulers, authorities, cosmic powers over this present darkness, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. We are at war against unseen assailants: temptation, addiction, sin, etc. We are in a perpetual battle against the spiritual forces of wickedness that attack our bodies, minds, souls, emotions, and spirits. They seek to destroy us, our families, communities, nations, and the entire world.

Praise and worship are central weapons in the battle. The whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:14-20) gives us ample resources: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the word of God, which is the sword of the Spirit. We pray continually in the Holy Spirit.

Praise and worship empower us to wield our spiritual weapons. It mobilizes our faith. We sing the Word of God, wielding the sword of the Spirit in battle against our enemy, Satan.

Do not neglect praise and worship. Throughout the week, sing the songs you learned in church. Listen to Christian music as you drive to and from work, singing along. Spend time with God in prayer, praise, and worship. Stand firm against the devil by joining your praise and worship with the songs of saints throughout the ages. We are in a spiritual battle, using spiritual weapons, as part of a great spiritual army whose soldiers are more than conquerors. Win the war through worship!

Lord God, clothe us continually in the whole armor you provide. Inhabit our praises and empower us to worship You even in the heat of spiritual battle. Strengthen us always, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

How do you incorporate worship and praise into your daily life? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments field below.

Copyright © 2024 Michael E. Lynch. All rights reserved.