1.
The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
1, 2. This dominion is a cause
of joy, because, even though our minds are oppressed with terror
before the throne of the King of kings (Exodus 19:16;
Deuteronomy 5:22), we know it is based on
righteous principles and judgments which are according to truth.
2.
Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
3.
A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
3-5. The attending illustrations
of God's awful justice on enemies () are seen in the disclosures of His almighty power on the
elements of nature (compare Psalms 46:2;
Psalms 77:17; Habakkuk 3:6,
&c.).
4.
His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
5.
The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6.
The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
6. heavens—or, their
inhabitants (Psalms 50:6), as
opposed to "nations" in the latter clause (compare Isaiah 40:5;
Isaiah 66:18).
7.
Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.
7. Idolaters are utterly put to
shame, for if angels must worship Him, how much more those who
worshipped them.
all ye gods—literally,
"all ye angels" (Psalms 8:5;
Psalms 138:1; Hebrews 1:6;
Hebrews 2:7). Paul quotes, not as a
prophecy, but as language used in regard to the Lord Jehovah, who in
the Old Testament theophania is the second person of the
Godhead.
8.
Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
8, 9. The exaltation of Zion's
king is joy to the righteous and sorrow to the wicked.
daughters of Judah—(Compare
Psalms 48:11).
9.
For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.
9. above all gods— ().
10.
Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
10-12. Let gratitude for the
blessings of providence and grace incite saints () to holy living. Spiritual blessings are in store,
represented by light (Psalms 27:1)
and gladness.
11.
Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
11. sown—to spring forth
abundantly for such, who alone can and well may rejoice in the holy
government of their sovereign Lord (compare Psalms 30:4;
Psalms 32:11).
12.
Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
10-12. Let gratitude for the
blessings of providence and grace incite saints () to holy living. Spiritual blessings are in store,
represented by light (Psalms 27:1)
and gladness.