Psalms 68:3
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׂמְח֣וּ
be glad
H8055
יִשְׂמְח֣וּ
be glad
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
2 of 7
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 7
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 7
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Psalms 64:10The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.1 Thessalonians 5:16Rejoice evermore.Revelation 18:20Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.Revelation 19:7Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.Psalms 97:12Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.Psalms 43:4Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.Psalms 58:10The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.Psalms 21:1The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!Deuteronomy 12:12And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.1 Peter 1:8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Historical Context
Joyful celebration marked Israel's festivals—Passover, Tabernacles, and especially the ark's procession into Jerusalem under David (2 Samuel 6). These occasions reminded God's people that His presence is the source of all true joy.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the relationship between righteousness (right standing with God) and joy in His presence?
- How does your personal experience of joy in God compare to your joy in His blessings or gifts?
- In what ways can corporate worship cultivate 'exceeding joy' in God's presence?
Analysis & Commentary
In stark contrast to the wicked's demise, 'the righteous shall be glad' in God's presence. The threefold description—glad, rejoice, exceedingly joyful—builds to climax, emphasizing uninhibited celebration. This joy isn't based on circumstantial prosperity but on covenant relationship with God. The righteous find their greatest pleasure in God Himself, His presence their highest reward. This anticipates Jesus's teaching that the pure in heart shall see God (Matthew 5:8).