A Song and A Sword
"Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand" -- Psalm 149:6
Someone has said that songs won the World War I. Undoubtedly they did have much to do with winning it. It may never be known to what extent the issues of that great conflict were determined by the one song:
"Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag
And smile, smile, smile."
The value of songs in warfare has long been recognized. While the sword has been looked to for actual results, military leaders have always counted very largely on songs to stimulate and preserve the morale of their armies.
David was a great warrior. He was also a lover of music and songs. And in his warfares he no doubt employed songs as well as swords.
In the text he is thinking of God’s people as a spiritual army battling for the cause of righteousness. Having learned in carnal warfare that the sword is mightier when backed by songs, he cries: "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand."
Paul conceives of the church as an army. To be good soldiers in this army he tells us we must be equipped with "the whole armour of God." But he also speaks of the necessity of "admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs."
Whether fighting the battles of the nation or of the church, whether fighting with carnal or spiritual swords, the best fighters are those whose swords are vibrant with song.
Life is often pictured as a warfare. And it is but common observation that its battles are more successfully fought by those who fight with a song in their hearts, as well as a sword in their hands.
