1 The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him
and burns up his adversaries all around.
4 His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
7 All worshipers of images are put to shame,
who make their boast in worthless idols; – Verses 1&2 make a bold statement which we hope is true with passionate longing but remember that it doesn’t say ‘the earth rejoices but rather ‘let the earth rejoice’. Thus it states a desire rather than affirming a reality! It lists what God can do when He exerts His authority!
worship him, all you gods! – the coastlands have many different gods, whose followers are challenged to face reality! The earth belongs to GOD!
8 Zion hears and is glad,
and the daughters of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgments, O LORD. – ‘Zion’ and ‘the daughters of Judah’ here represent those who are definitely on the side of Jehovah God!
9 For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
10 O you who love the LORD, hate evil!
He preserves the lives of his saints;
he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name! – Having reaffirmed God’s status in verse 9, the Psalmist underlines the hatred of evil which is to mark God’s people. The lasting caring, the understanding (light) and the joy which God gives to His people is highlighted as the cause for rejoicing and thanksgiving which being part of His people supplies!
Proverbs 29:2 – “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
Prayer: Thank You that You are the final authority and that righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your reign.