Psalms 149:5
Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.
Original Language Analysis
חֲסִידִ֣ים
Let the saints
H2623
חֲסִידִ֣ים
Let the saints
Strong's:
H2623
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, kind, i.e., (religiously) pious (a saint)
בְּכָב֑וֹד
in glory
H3519
בְּכָב֑וֹד
in glory
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
יְ֝רַנְּנ֗וּ
let them sing aloud
H7442
יְ֝רַנְּנ֗וּ
let them sing aloud
Strong's:
H7442
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)
Cross References
Job 35:10But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;Psalms 42:8Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.Psalms 145:10All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.Psalms 118:15The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.1 Peter 1:8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:Psalms 23:1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.Psalms 132:16I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.Psalms 92:2To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,Romans 5:2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Historical Context
Ancient Jewish piety included prayers and blessings throughout the day—morning, evening, meals, various occasions. The Shema was recited lying down and rising up (Deuteronomy 6:7). Midnight prayer appears in Acts 16:25 (Paul and Silas singing in prison). Monastic traditions developed fixed-hour prayer (offices). The Reformers encouraged morning and evening household devotions. Puritan practice emphasized "closet" (private) prayer. The verse encourages pervasive worship—joy in God's glory overflowing into all settings, including the most private. Whether public assembly or private chamber, saints sing God's praises.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you cultivate joyful worship in private settings, not just corporate gatherings?
- What does singing "upon beds" suggest about worship's comprehensiveness—encompassing all of life?
- What hindrances prevent exuberant joy in God's glory, and how can these be overcome?
Analysis & Commentary
"Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds." The call: ya'letzu chasidim b'khavod (let exult the faithful ones in glory). Alatz (exult/rejoice/triumph) indicates exuberant joy. Chasid (faithful/godly one); kavod (glory/honor/weight) refers either to the glory God gives His people or glory in God's presence. Yeranenu al mishkevotam (let them sing aloud upon their beds). Ranan (sing/shout for joy) indicates loud, joyful singing. Mishkav (bed/couch) suggests private, intimate setting. Even in private moments—waking, resting, lying down—saints should burst into joyful song. Worship isn't confined to corporate assembly but overflows into every setting, even the bedroom. Psalm 42:8 similarly speaks of God's song in the night.