1 Chronicles 16:31

KJV

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let [men] say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let the heavens {H8064} be glad {H8055}, and let the earth {H776} rejoice {H1523}: and let men say {H559} among the nations {H1471}, The LORD {H3068} reigneth {H4427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let the heavens rejoice; let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "ADONAI is king!"

Berean Standard Bible

Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice. Let them say among the nations, ‘The LORD reigns!’

American Standard Version

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; And let them say among the nations, Jehovah reigneth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse, drawn from King David's psalm of thanksgiving sung at the momentous occasion of the Ark of the Covenant's arrival in Jerusalem, serves as a vibrant, universal declaration of God's supreme sovereignty. It issues an impassioned call for all creation—from the celestial spheres to the terrestrial realm—to actively participate in and express joy over the LORD's kingship, culminating in a global proclamation of His eternal reign among all peoples.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The verse is embedded within a grand psalm of thanksgiving and praise (found in [1 Chronicles 16:8-36](/1_chronicles/16 "1 Chronicles 16 - David's Psalm of Thanksgiving")), composed by King David and entrusted to Asaph and his fellow Levites for public worship. This psalm, a masterful compilation drawing significant portions from [Psalm 105](/psalms/105 "Psalm 105 - God's Faithfulness to Israel"), [Psalm 96](/psalms/96 "Psalm 96 - Sing to the Lord a New Song"), and [Psalm 106](/psalms/106 "Psalm 106 - Israel's Rebellions and God's Mercy"), serves as the spiritual crescendo following the momentous event of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This act, detailed in [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - The Ark Brought to Jerusalem"), marked the establishment of Jerusalem as both the political and spiritual capital, solidifying God's presence at the heart of the nation. The psalm, therefore, functions as a national outpouring of worship, acknowledging God's rightful place as sovereign King over Israel and all creation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically and culturally, the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, described in [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - The Ark Brought to Jerusalem"), was an event of unparalleled significance for ancient Israel. For decades, the Ark, the tangible symbol of God's presence, His covenant with Israel, and His divine throne, had been neglected and displaced, residing at Kirjath-jearim ([1 Samuel 7:1-2](/1_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1-2 - The Ark at Kirjath-jearim")). David's zealous efforts to retrieve it and bring it to the newly established capital, Jerusalem, represented a deliberate move to centralize worship and re-establish Yahweh as the true King of Israel, contrasting sharply with the spiritual apathy of Saul's reign. This act was not merely a logistical relocation but a profound theological declaration, signaling a renewed commitment to God's covenant and His active rule within the nation, setting the stage for the construction of the Temple.

* **Key Themes:** The psalm in [1 Chronicles 16](/1_chronicles/16 "1 Chronicles 16 - David's Psalm of Thanksgiving"), and specifically [verse 31](/1_chronicles/16-31 "1 Chronicles 16:31 - Call to Rejoice in God's Reign"), powerfully articulates several foundational themes. First, it emphasizes **Universal Rejoicing and Cosmic Worship**, extending the call to gladness beyond humanity to the entire created order—"Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice." This signifies that God's reign is not confined to Israel but encompasses all of existence, inviting the cosmos to bear witness and respond to its Creator's dominion, a theme echoed in [Psalm 148](/psalms/148 "Psalm 148 - Praise the Lord from the Heavens"). Second, the core declaration, "**The LORD reigneth**," underscores God's absolute **Sovereignty and Kingship**. This truth asserts His inherent authority, power, and rightful rule over all things, providing a bedrock of confidence and stability for believers, knowing that God is ultimately in control, as seen in [Psalm 93:1](/psalms/93-1 "Psalm 93:1 - The Lord Reigns"). Finally, the instruction "let [men] say among the nations" highlights a crucial **Missional Proclamation**. The joy and truth of God's reign are not intended to be an exclusive possession of Israel but are to be broadcast globally, anticipating a future when all peoples will acknowledge and declare His universal sovereignty, a vision found in [Isaiah 45:22-23](/isaiah/45-22 "Isaiah 45:22-23 - Look to Me and Be Saved").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Yahweh (Hebrew, _YHWH_):** The covenantal, personal name of God, revealed to Moses ([Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14-15 - I AM WHO I AM")). It signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His promises. Its use here emphasizes that it is the one true, living God of Israel, who is sovereign over all, distinguishing Him from the false gods of the nations.
* **Malakh (Hebrew, _malakh'_):** Meaning "to be king," "to reign," or "to rule." In the perfect tense, as used here (מָלָךְ), it can convey both a timeless, enduring truth ("the LORD is King") and a declaration of an immediate, active enthronement or assumption of rule ("the LORD has begun to reign!"). In this context, it carries the weight of both God's eternal kingship and the joyful acknowledgment of His active, present dominion, particularly in light of the Ark's arrival.
* **Yismechu (Hebrew, _yismechu'_):** The imperative plural form of the verb "to rejoice" or "to be glad." Applied to "the heavens" and "the earth," it is a poetic personification, a command for the entire cosmos to respond with exultation to the revelation of God's reign. It implies a willing, joyful submission and celebration of the Creator's authority, indicating that the very fabric of creation is designed to respond to its Maker.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let the heavens be glad":** This opening imperative is a poetic summons for the celestial realm—the sky, stars, and all that is above—to express profound joy. It personifies the heavens, inviting them to participate in the celebration of God's sovereignty. This suggests that God's reign is so vast and glorious that it elicits a response from the very fabric of the cosmos, transcending human understanding and testifying to His majesty.
* **"and let the earth rejoice":** Complementing the heavens, this clause extends the call to gladness to the terrestrial realm. The earth, with all its inhabitants and natural elements, is commanded to respond with exultation. It implies that God's dominion brings order, blessing, and a cause for celebration to the physical world, signifying His benevolent rule over creation and the inherent goodness of His kingdom.
* **"and let [men] say among the nations":** This pivotal clause shifts the focus from cosmic response to human proclamation. The bracketed "men" is an interpretive addition in the KJV, but the Hebrew implies a universal human declaration. It is a divine mandate for the truth of God's reign to be vocalized and disseminated beyond the borders of Israel, reaching all peoples and cultures. This highlights the missional imperative inherent in the recognition of God's kingship, emphasizing that this truth is for all humanity.
* **"The LORD reigneth.":** This is the climactic declaration, the central truth that elicits all the preceding calls to gladness and proclamation. "The LORD" (Yahweh) refers to the personal, covenantal God of Israel, and "reigneth" (malakh) asserts His absolute, active, and eternal kingship. This statement is not merely a theological concept but a living reality, a foundational truth that provides comfort, assurance, and a call to worship, affirming God's supreme authority over all circumstances and all creation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse 1 Chronicles 16:31 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Personification** is prominently used as the heavens are commanded to "be glad" and the earth to "rejoice," attributing human emotions and actions to inanimate elements of creation. This device vividly portrays the universal scope of God's reign, suggesting that His sovereignty impacts and elicits a response from the entire cosmos, not just humanity. Furthermore, the structure of the verse exhibits **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where "Let the heavens be glad" and "let the earth rejoice" convey similar ideas of universal celebration, reinforcing the breadth and depth of the call to worship. The progression from cosmic response to human proclamation ("let [men] say among the nations") demonstrates a form of **Climax**, building up to the ultimate, foundational truth: "The LORD reigneth." This declaration acts as the culmination and rationale for all the preceding calls to joy and witness. The use of **Imperative Mood** ("Let... be glad," "let... rejoice," "let... say") creates a sense of divine command and urgency, inviting active participation in the recognition and proclamation of God's kingship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological significance of 1 Chronicles 16:31 lies in its profound declaration of God's universal and active sovereignty. This verse is not merely a historical account of a past event but a timeless theological truth that undergirds all of Scripture. It asserts that Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, is the supreme ruler over all creation and all nations. This truth provides immense comfort and stability, assuring believers that despite earthly chaos or human rebellion, God remains firmly on His throne, orchestrating all things according to His perfect will. It also carries a significant missional imperative, reminding God's people that the knowledge of His reign is not for their exclusive benefit but is meant to be proclaimed to the ends of the earth, inviting all peoples into the joy and submission of His kingdom. The cosmic call to rejoice highlights that creation itself bears witness to its Creator's glory and rightful dominion.

* [Psalm 96:10](/psalms/96-10 "Psalm 96:10 - Say Among the Nations, 'The Lord Reigns!'")
* [Psalm 93:1](/psalms/93-1 "Psalm 93:1 - The Lord Reigns, He is Clothed with Majesty")
* [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become the Kingdoms of Our Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by uncertainty, conflict, and a sense of powerlessness, 1 Chronicles 16:31 offers a profound anchor for the soul. The call for the heavens and earth to rejoice serves as a powerful reminder that God's reign is not a distant, theoretical concept but an active, present reality that permeates all of existence. For believers, this means finding deep peace and unwavering hope in the truth that "the LORD reigneth," regardless of personal trials, societal turmoil, or global crises. Our ultimate trust and confidence are not to be placed in human leaders, economic systems, or personal strength, but in the sovereign control of the Almighty God, whose plans are perfect and whose kingdom is eternal. Furthermore, the imperative to "say among the nations" compels us to move beyond passive belief to active proclamation. We are called to embody and articulate the good news of God's kingship, living lives that reflect His kingdom values of justice, love, and righteousness, and verbally sharing the message of His redemptive reign with those who do not yet know Him. This verse encourages a posture of worshipful surrender, joyful trust, and courageous witness, aligning our lives with the grand, unfolding narrative of God's universal dominion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that "the LORD reigneth" impact your perspective on current global events or personal challenges?**
* **In what ways can you, like the heavens and earth, express joy and gladness in response to God's sovereignty in your daily life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "say among the nations" that the LORD reigns, whether in your immediate community or through broader outreach?**

### FAQ
**Why does the verse call for the heavens and earth to rejoice? Are they sentient?**

Answer: The call for the heavens and earth to rejoice is a powerful use of **personification**, a common literary device in biblical poetry. It does not imply that celestial bodies or the physical earth are sentient in the human sense. Rather, it serves to emphasize the universal scope and overwhelming glory of God's reign. Just as creation groans under the weight of sin ([Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans")), it is also depicted as responding to and declaring God's glory ([Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare the Glory of God")). This poetic language invites humanity to consider that if even the non-sentient creation is called to acknowledge God's sovereignty, how much more should intelligent beings worship and celebrate His reign! It highlights that God's kingship is so profound that it elicits a response from the entire cosmos.

**How does this verse relate to the Ark of the Covenant?**

Answer: This verse is part of a psalm (found in [1 Chronicles 16:8-36](/1_chronicles/16 "1 Chronicles 16 - David's Psalm of Thanksgiving")) that King David composed and appointed to be sung on the day the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem. The Ark was the most sacred object for Israel, symbolizing God's presence among His people and His covenant faithfulness. Its arrival in Jerusalem, as detailed in [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - The Ark Brought to Jerusalem"), was a monumental event, signifying the re-establishment of God's central place in the nation's worship and governance. Therefore, the declaration "The LORD reigneth" in [1 Chronicles 16:31](/1_chronicles/16-31 "1 Chronicles 16:31 - Call to Rejoice in God's Reign") is a direct theological response to the Ark's presence, acknowledging that the God who dwells among them is the ultimate, sovereign King over all. The celebration surrounding the Ark was, at its core, a celebration of Yahweh's kingship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 16:31 is a powerful Old Testament declaration of Yahweh's universal reign, its ultimate and most profound fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament longing for God's reign to be acknowledged "among the nations" finds its decisive answer in the New Testament proclamation of Christ's kingdom. Jesus Himself declared, "The time is fulfilled, and the [kingdom of God is at hand](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - The Kingdom of God is at Hand"); repent and believe in the gospel" ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus Preaches the Kingdom")). His life, death, and resurrection demonstrated His supreme authority over sin, death, and all creation ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer")). The cosmic call for heavens and earth to rejoice is realized in the New Creation, where all things are reconciled through Him ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciling All Things Through Christ")). Furthermore, the missional imperative to "say among the nations, The LORD reigneth" is explicitly fulfilled in the Great Commission, where Christ commands His followers to [make disciples of all nations](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"), baptizing them and teaching them all that He commanded ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). Ultimately, the vision of God's reign is consummated in Christ's return, when [the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become the Kingdoms of Our Lord"), and He will reign forever and ever ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become the Kingdoms of Our Lord"), [Revelation 22:5](/revelation/22-5 "Revelation 22:5 - They Will Reign Forever")). Thus, 1 Chronicles 16:31 points forward to the glorious reality of Christ's present and future reign, inviting all creation and all humanity to bow the knee and confess that [Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-11 "Philippians 2:11 - Every Tongue Confess Jesus is Lord").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.