1 The Lord raigneth, let the earth reioyce: let the multitude of Isles bee glad thereof.
2 Clouds and darkenesse are round about him: righteousnesse and iudgement are the habitation of his throne.
3 A fire goeth before him: and burneth vp his enemies round about.
4 His lightnings inlightned the world: the earth sawe, and trembled.
5 The hilles melted like waxe at the presence of the Lord: at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heauens declare his righteousnesse: and all the people see his glory.
7 Confounded be all they that serue grauen images, that boast themselues of idoles: worship him all yee gods.
8 Sion heard, and was glad, and the daughters of Iudah reioyced: because of thy iudgements, O Lord.
9 For thou, Lord, art high aboue all the earth: thou art exalted farre aboue all gods.
10 Yee that loue the Lord, hate euil; hee preserueth the soules of his Saints: hee deliuereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sowen for the righteous: and gladnesse for the vpright in heart.
12 Reioyce in the Lord, ye righteous: and giue thanks at the remembrance of his holinesse.
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.
Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710.