1The Lord is King, let the earth have joy; let all the sea-lands be glad. 2Dark clouds are round him; his kingdom is based on righteousness and right judging. 3Fire goes before him, burning up all those who are against him round about. 4His bright flames give light to the world; the earth saw it with fear. 5The mountains became like wax at the coming of the Lord, at the coming of the Lord of all the earth. 6The heavens gave out the news of his righteousness, and all the people saw his glory. 7Shamed be all those who give worship to images, and take pride in false gods; give him worship, all you gods. 8Zion gave ear and was glad; and the daughters of Judah were full of joy, because of your decisions, O Lord. 9For you, Lord, are most high over the earth; you are lifted up over all other gods. 10You who are lovers of the Lord, be haters of evil; he keeps the souls of his saints; he takes them out of the hand of sinners. 11Light is shining on the lovers of righteousness, and for the upright in heart there is joy. 12Be glad in the Lord, you upright men; praising the memory of his holy name.
Matthew Henry's Commentary
The Lord Jesus reigns in power that cannot be resisted. (1-7) His care of his people, and his provision for them. (8-12) 1-7 Though many have been made happy in Christ, still there is room. And all have reason to rejoice in Christ's government. There is a depth in his counsels, which we must not pretend to fathom; but still righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne. Christ's government, though it might be matter of joy to all, will yet be matter of terror to some; but it is their own fault that it is so. The most resolute and daring opposition will be baffled at the presence of the Lord. And the Lord Jesus will ere long come, and put an end to idol worship of every kind. 8-12 The faithful servants of God may well rejoice and be glad, because he is glorified; and whatever tends to his honour, is his people's pleasure. Care is taken for their safety. But something more is meant than their lives. The Lord will preserve the souls of his saints from sin, from apostacy, and despair, under their greatest trials. He will deliver them out of the hands of the wicked one, and preserve them safe to his heavenly kingdom. And those that rejoice in Christ Jesus, and in his exaltation, have fountains of joy prepared for them. Those that sow in tears, shall reap in joy. Gladness is sure to the upright in heart; the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment. Sinners tremble, but saints rejoice at God's holiness. As he hates sin, yet freely loves the person of the repentant sinner who believes in Christ, he will make a final separation between the person he loves and the sin he hates, and sanctify his people wholly, body, soul, and spirit.