Psalms 149:2
Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׂמַ֣ח
rejoice
H8055
יִשְׂמַ֣ח
rejoice
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
1 of 7
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל
Let Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל
Let Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
2 of 7
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בְּעֹשָׂ֑יו
in him that made
H6213
בְּעֹשָׂ֑יו
in him that made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 7
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּנֵֽי
him let the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
him let the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
צִ֝יּ֗וֹן
of Zion
H6726
צִ֝יּ֗וֹן
of Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
5 of 7
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
Cross References
Isaiah 52:7How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!Isaiah 54:5For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.Psalms 95:6O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.Job 35:10But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.Luke 19:38Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.Joel 2:23Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.Psalms 47:6Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.Deuteronomy 12:7And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.1 Samuel 12:22For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
Historical Context
Psalm 149 is one of the final 'Hallelujah Psalms' (146-150) that conclude the Psalter with concentrated praise. These psalms likely accompanied post-exilic temple worship when Israel, restored from Babylon, celebrated Yahweh's faithfulness. The emphasis on kingship reflects the period when Israel had no earthly monarch but reaffirmed God's eternal reign. Rejoicing 'in their Maker' would resonate particularly with a community re-establishing national identity after exile.
Questions for Reflection
- How does grounding joy in God as Creator-King rather than circumstances change your response to trials?
- In what ways does corporate worship ('Israel,' 'children of Zion') strengthen individual faith that private devotion cannot?
- What does it mean practically to rejoice in God's kingship when earthly authorities disappoint or oppress?
Analysis & Commentary
Let Israel rejoice in him that made him (יִשְׂמַח יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּעֹשָׂיו)—The verb samach (to rejoice) commands covenant celebration rooted in creation theology. Israel's joy flows not from circumstances but from identity as God's handiwork. Osav (his Maker) recalls Isaiah 43:15 and 54:5, where God is both Creator and Redeemer. This is corporate worship—'Israel' collectively rejoicing in their covenant relationship.
Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King (בְּנֵי־צִיּוֹן יָגִילוּ בְמַלְכָּם)—The parallel intensifies: gil (to be joyful) suggests exuberant, visible celebration. 'Children of Zion' emphasizes inheritance of covenant promises and participation in temple worship. Their King acknowledges Yahweh's theocratic rule, fulfilled eschatologically in Christ who enters Zion as King (Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 21:5). This verse grounds praise in theological realities: God as Creator-King who initiated and sustains covenant relationship.