At first glance, the second to last song in the book of Psalms is very surprising. It almost appears to be two different psalms written by two different people. The theme of the first half of Psalm 149 (vv. 1–5) is joy. It speaks of singing, dancing, and making music. The people rejoice and are glad. God delights in His people who, even on their beds, sing for joy.

In verse 6, however, there is an abrupt change. The people are still praising God, but instead of the timbrel and harp (v. 3), the new instruments are swords, fetters, and shackles of iron. Instead of shouts of joy, there are cries for vengeance. How do we understand this psalm of praise?

In verses 1–5, we see why God’s people are so joyful on this occasion. It’s because God has “[crowned] the humble with victory” (v. 4). Presumably, their king has defeated an enemy in battle. The result of this victory is honour, not just for the king but also for all his people.

Likewise, God’s promise to us as Christians is that we all will receive a crown. Indeed, the New Testament speaks of five crowns: the eternal crown (1 Corinthians 9:25), the crown of faithful, fruitful service (1 Thessalonians 2:19), the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8), the crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4), and the crown of life (Revelation 2:10). These aren’t five different crowns. Rather, they are all a symbol of the final reward that God’s people will receive for their faithful service to the Lord who gave His life for them. This is worth singing about.

However, in any war there must be a winner and a loser. There can be no song of victory celebration while the enemy is still actively fighting. It seems that while the battle has been won, the war isn’t over yet. For this reason, the second part of Psalm 149 speaks of God’s people taking up the weapons of war to finish the job. Justice is still to be done. The leaders of the enemy are still to be bound and brought for execution. This final and complete victory will be “the glory of all [God’s] faithful people” (v. 9).

The New Testament presents a picture similar to the one we find in Psalm 149. In the spiritual war, victory belongs to Jesus who by His death on the cross defeated Satan (see John 12:31–32). Christians share in King Jesus’ victory. Although defeated, Satan still fights and lashes out (1 Peter 5:8). Thus we wait in the certain hope for the day when his final doom is certain: “The devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulphur” (Revelation 20:10).

The final day of judgment will be a day of joy and honour for Christians. We have the assurance that not only are we set free by Jesus’ death for us, but “we will also reign with him” (2 Timothy 2:12). This is a glory and honour that even God’s people in the Old Testament could never have imagined. Praise the Lord!