"All ye that love the Lord, rejoice" is an eight-stanza metrical paraphrase of Psalm 149 written by Isaac Watts. It was first published in his 1719 volume The Psalms of David, Imitated in the Language of the New Testament, under the title "Praise God, all His saints; or, The Saints judging the World."
Watts appended an extensive explanatory note defending his interpretation of verses six through nine, which describe saints holding two-edged swords to execute vengeance on nations. He noted that while those verses originally encouraged ancient Israelites in physical warfare against Canaanite rulers, the passage had been abused in recent ages to foster political sedition. Watts explained that he chose to reframe the honor given to believers in terms of the New Testament Day of Judgment, referencing passages such as Matthew 19:28, 1 Corinthians 6:3, and Revelation 2:27.
Despite Watts's thematic defense, the martial and apocalyptic imagery of the final four stanzas was generally judged unsuitable for public worship. As a result, most British and American hymnal compilers omitted those verses when reprinting the text.
Related Hymns
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Joy to the World
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When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
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We're Marching To Zion
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Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed
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O God, Our Help in Ages Past
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I Sing the Mighty Power of God
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Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the Sun
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My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
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