TEXT: Psalm 149:3
PREACHER: Pastor Bodunrin Timothy
Scripture: Psalm 149:3 – “Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp.”
Introduction: Psalm 149 is a hymn of praise and celebration, calling on the people of God to rejoice in His goodness and mighty acts. Verse 3 invites us to express our joy in the Lord through dance and music. This verse captures the spirit of worship and reminds us that our praise to God can be joyful, creative, and full of energy.
The psalmist called for a corporate praise to reference God’s name, character and reputation with music, musical instruments and dancing.
Exodus 15:1 and 11 reveal how Moses and the Israelis showed appreciation to God for delivering them from the hand of their oppressor.
Exodus 15:1
15 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
Exodus 15:11
11 Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
This imagery of dancing used by the psalmist emphasizes that worship is not just a solemn or quiet activity – it’s also an act of joy and celebration for what God has done in our lives.
In biblical times, dancing was a natural response to moments of victory, deliverance, and joy. Think of Miriam and the Israelite women dancing after crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20-21) or David dancing before the Lord when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:14).
Exodus 15:20-21
20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.
21 And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
2 Samuel 6:14
14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
While Psalm 149:3 encourages outward expression like dancing and music, it’s important to remember that true worship comes from the heart.