Psalms 68:3

KJV

But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.

KJV (with Strong's)

But let the righteous {H6662} be glad {H8055}{H8799)}; let them rejoice {H5970}{H8799)} before {H6440} God {H430}: yea, let them exceedingly {H8057} rejoice {H7797}{H8799)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But let the righteous rejoice and be glad in God's presence; yes, let them exult and rejoice.

Berean Standard Bible

But the righteous will be glad and rejoice before God; they will celebrate with joy.

American Standard Version

But let the righteous be glad; let them exult before God: Yea, let them rejoice with gladness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 68:3 presents a vibrant call for the righteous to express profound, overflowing joy in the presence of God. Following a declaration of divine judgment against the wicked, this verse highlights the distinct and blessed experience of those in right standing with the Almighty, whose gladness is not merely internal but an exuberant, outward celebration rooted in God's victorious character and their secure relationship with Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 68 is a majestic psalm, often attributed to David, celebrating God's glorious presence, His victorious acts on behalf of His people, and His triumphant procession. It depicts the Lord as a mighty warrior who scatters His enemies and leads His people in triumph. Verse 3 stands in stark contrast to the preceding verses, which declare God's fierce judgment against the ungodly: "Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God" [Psalms 68:1-2](/psalms/68-1 "Psalms 68:1-2 - God's Judgment on Enemies"). Against this backdrop of divine wrath and justice, verse 3 presents the antithesis: the blessed and joyful experience of the righteous. It serves as a powerful pivot, shifting focus from the perishing of the wicked to the exuberant gladness of those who belong to God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical occasion for Psalms 68 is debated, many scholars link it to a triumphal procession, such as the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem by King David, as described in [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem") and [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - The Ark Brought to Jerusalem"). This context emphasizes God's active presence among His people, leading them in victory and establishing His dwelling place. Culturally, the concept of a divine warrior leading His people in battle and triumph was familiar in the ancient Near East, but Psalms 68 uniquely attributes this power and victory to Yahweh, the God of Israel, who fights for His covenant people. The rejoicing described in verse 3 would have been a public, communal expression of worship and gratitude, a common practice in Israelite festivals and celebrations of divine deliverance.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 68:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader book. Firstly, it highlights the **Joy of the Righteous**, portraying their gladness as a direct consequence of their relationship with God and His triumphant actions. This joy is not circumstantial but deeply rooted in God's character and His secure presence. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Victory**, as the righteous rejoice in the very God who has scattered His enemies, reinforcing the theme of God's ultimate dominion over all things. Thirdly, the verse sharply delineates the **Distinction between the Righteous and the Wicked**, emphasizing that while the wicked perish, the righteous flourish in God's presence, experiencing profound blessing. This aligns with themes found elsewhere, such as in [Psalms 1](/psalms/1 "Psalms 1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked"), which contrasts the blessedness of the righteous with the fate of the ungodly. Finally, it calls for **Exuberant Worship and Praise**, demonstrating that true worship involves an active, unreserved expression of joy before God, acknowledging Him as the source of all good.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glad (Hebrew, _śāmach'_):** This verb denotes an inward state of happiness, cheerfulness, and delight. It describes a deep-seated sense of contentment and well-being that stems from a favorable condition or relationship. In this context, it signifies the inner joy experienced by those whose lives are aligned with God's will and who stand in His favor.
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, _gîl'_):** This term carries a stronger, more outward connotation than _śāmach_. It often implies spinning around, exulting, or shouting with joy. It describes an effusive, demonstrative expression of delight and triumph, often in a communal setting. Here, it suggests an active, unreserved celebration in God's presence, moving beyond mere internal happiness to an outward demonstration of praise.
* **Exceedingly Rejoice (Hebrew, _gîl_ intensified):** The KJV's "exceedingly rejoice" translates an intensified form of _gîl_, often achieved through repetition or the use of an adverbial intensifier in Hebrew. This emphasizes the overwhelming, abundant, and overflowing nature of the joy. It is not just gladness or even exuberant rejoicing, but a superabundant, jubilant delight that knows no bounds, reflecting the boundless goodness and power of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But let the righteous be glad;":** This opening clause introduces a sharp contrast ("But") to the preceding verses that describe the perishing of the wicked. It is an imperative, a call or exhortation for "the righteous"—those who are in right standing with God, who walk in integrity and obedience—to experience an inner state of deep gladness. This gladness is a direct result of their secure position before God and His victorious actions.
* **"let them rejoice before God:":** Building upon the inner gladness, this clause calls for an outward, exuberant expression of joy. The phrase "before God" is crucial, indicating that this rejoicing is not merely a private emotion but a public, worshipful act performed in His presence. It signifies an acknowledgment of His sovereignty, goodness, and triumph, making the joy an act of adoration and praise directed towards the Almighty.
* **"yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.":** This final clause intensifies the call to joy, elevating it to an extraordinary degree. The "yea" serves as an emphatic affirmation, urging an overflowing, superabundant jubilation. It suggests a joy that is so profound and overwhelming that it cannot be contained, a vibrant, unreserved celebration of God's character and His mighty deeds, reflecting the boundless delight found in His presence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 68:3 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as the verse immediately follows a vivid depiction of the wicked perishing at God's presence [Psalms 68:1-2](/psalms/68-1 "Psalms 68:1-2 - God's Judgment on Enemies"). This juxtaposition highlights the distinct destinies and experiences of the ungodly versus "the righteous," emphasizing the blessedness of those in covenant with God. The verse also uses **Imperative** or **Exhortation** ("let them be glad," "let them rejoice"), which functions as a command or strong invitation, urging the righteous to actively embrace and express this joy. Furthermore, the progression from "be glad" to "rejoice" and then "exceedingly rejoice" exemplifies a powerful form of **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism** with an escalating intensity. Each phrase reiterates the theme of joy but amplifies its depth and outward expression, creating a crescendo of jubilation that underscores the profound and overflowing nature of the gladness available to the righteous in God's presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The joy described in Psalms 68:3 is not a superficial emotion but a profound theological reality rooted in God's character and His relationship with His people. It signifies that true and lasting gladness is found in God's presence and is a hallmark of righteousness. This joy is intimately connected to God's victory over evil; the righteous rejoice because their God is triumphant, and His justice prevails. It underscores that God's presence brings not only security but also an overflowing delight, serving as a powerful motivation for worship and a testament to the blessedness of a life lived in accordance with His will. This divine joy transcends circumstances, offering an enduring source of strength and hope.

* [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")
* [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")
* [Psalms 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalms 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 68:3 serves as a timeless invitation for believers to cultivate a deep, active, and expressive joy in their relationship with God. In a world often characterized by sorrow, anxiety, and fleeting pleasures, this verse reminds us that true and enduring gladness is found not in circumstances or material possessions, but "before God"—in His presence, in His character, and in His victorious works. It challenges us to consider if our worship is truly marked by such exuberance and if our lives reflect the profound blessedness of being in right standing with the Almighty. This joy is both a gift and a command, urging us to consciously choose to rejoice, to express our gratitude, and to celebrate the God who triumphs over all opposition, ensuring that our inner state of gladness overflows into outward expressions of praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for your joy to be "before God," and how does this differ from worldly happiness?**
* **How can you cultivate a more "exceedingly rejoiceful" attitude in your daily life, even amidst challenges?**
* **In what ways does your personal and communal worship reflect the exuberant joy described in this verse?**

### FAQ
**Who are "the righteous" in Psalms 68:3?**

Answer: In the Old Testament context, "the righteous" (Hebrew: _tsaddiqim_) refers to those who are in a right covenant relationship with God, living in accordance with His laws and commands. It describes individuals whose lives are characterized by integrity, justice, and obedience to God's revealed will. They are not sinless, but their general direction of life is one of seeking God and striving to please Him. Their righteousness is often seen as a reflection of their faith and trust in God, distinguishing them from "the wicked" who reject God's ways, as seen in [Psalms 1:5-6](/psalms/1-5 "Psalms 1:5-6 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked"). This righteousness is the basis for their blessedness and their capacity to experience profound joy in God's presence.

**Is the joy described in Psalms 68:3 a feeling or a command?**

Answer: It is both. The Hebrew verbs used ("be glad," _śāmach_; "rejoice," _gîl_) describe genuine emotional states of happiness and exultation. However, the grammatical form is imperative ("let them be glad," "let them rejoice"), functioning as a command or an exhortation. This implies that while joy is a natural byproduct of being in God's presence and witnessing His triumph, it is also a deliberate act of worship and faith. Believers are called to actively choose to rejoice, even when circumstances might suggest otherwise, recognizing God as the ultimate source of their gladness. This aligns with New Testament exhortations to "rejoice in the Lord always," as found in [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always").

**How does this verse relate to the Christian understanding of joy amidst suffering?**

Answer: Psalms 68:3, with its emphasis on rejoicing "before God" and in His triumph, provides a foundational understanding for Christian joy, even in suffering. While the psalm celebrates God's victory over external enemies, the New Testament expands this to include Christ's victory over sin, death, and all spiritual adversaries. Christian joy is not the absence of pain or hardship, but a deep-seated gladness rooted in the unshakeable truth of God's sovereignty and His redemptive work in Christ. Believers can "exceedingly rejoice" because their ultimate hope is secure in God, who works all things for good [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good"). This joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit [Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - Fruit of the Spirit"), enabling believers to find gladness even in trials, knowing that their ultimate triumph is guaranteed through Christ [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2 "James 1:2-4 - Joy in Trials").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 68:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly "righteous" one, whose life of obedience and sacrifice perfectly pleased God, making it possible for all who believe in Him to be declared righteous before God [Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith"). The triumphant God who scatters His enemies in Psalms 68 is fully revealed in Christ, who, through His death and resurrection, decisively triumphed over sin, death, and the powers of darkness [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). Therefore, the call for the righteous to "be glad" and "rejoice before God" is most fully realized in the believer's experience of salvation and new life in Christ. Our joy is not merely in a past victory, but in the living presence of the resurrected Lord, who promises His disciples a joy that no one can take away [John 16:22](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Your Joy No One Will Take Away"). The "exceedingly rejoice" of the psalm foreshadows the overflowing, eternal joy that awaits the redeemed in the presence of the Lamb of God, who has made us righteous and brought us into His glorious kingdom [Revelation 19:7](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"). In Christ, the gladness of the righteous is made perfect and everlasting.

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 64:10

The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.

1 Thessalonians 5:16

¶ Rejoice evermore.

Psalms 100:1

¶ A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Psalms 100:2

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Psalms 95:1

¶ O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Psalms 95:2

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

Revelation 18:20

Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.