Daily Bible Reading: November 2021, God’s Word of Praise and Thanksgivingনমুনা

November 22

Introduction

Today’s psalm is a song of praise that emphasizes God’s justice. It offers images of music, praise, and celebration. But it also includes images of punishment. It may possibly have been an exilic or postexilic prayer for the defeat of Israel’s enemies and the deliverance of the people from exile and the restoration of Judah.

Today’s Scripture Reading 

Psalm 149

Today’s Key Verse:  Psalm 149:1

Praise the LORD! Sing a new song to the LORD; praise him in the assembly of his faithful people!

Reflect

Reread verses 6-9: The “swords” symbolize God’s concern for justice. Punishment is to serve the purpose of justice. God gave the king the responsibility for establishing justice on earth, but after the end of David’s dynasty, the responsibility for establishing justice was given to all God’s people. Note that New Testament writers do not speak about the sword of vengeance as much as the power of God at work within us (see 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:12-17; Hebrews 4:12). This “power” is God’s Spirit, which helps us to be living examples of God’s love. In what ways have you experienced the power of God’s Spirit at work in your life?

Pray

Praise the LORD! I sing to you joyfully, Saving God! Make me an agent of your justice through the peaceful power of your Holy Spirit, that I may be a living example of your love. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those working for restorative justice

Tomorrow’s Reading

Psalm 150: A concluding doxology.