Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just, and glory, all ye right of heart.
שִׂמְח֬וּ בַֽיהוָ֣ה וְ֭גִילוּ צַדִּיקִ֑ים וְ֝הַרְנִ֗ינוּ כָּל־יִשְׁרֵי־לֵֽב׃
8 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Celebrate and find joy, O faithful ones, not in your own strength but in the Lord. Give thanks to all who have a pure heart (Psalms 31:11) and honor Him, all you who recognize the importance of following His ways, so that you may be exalted above all.
Thus, individuals should not take pride in their own virtues; rather, those who bask in the glory of God should derive joy from this. This sentiment resonates with the words of the apostle: "But let him who boasts, boast in the Lord" (2 Corinthians 10:17); and "Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12). Consequently, the Apostle also instructs us to counsel others with a gentle spirit. "Look to yourself," he advises, "lest you also be tempted" (Gal. 6:1).
After addressing the vulnerable and flawed, David turns his attention to those who are truly upright, whom he describes as righteous due to their just way of life. He encourages them with these words: "Be glad and rejoice, and boast, all you righteous, not in your own virtues, which are weak without the Lord's protection, but in the Lord alone, who is your helper and shield." The difference between mirth and joy has already been discussed in the commentary on Psalms 6:2, although both terms convey similar meanings. The phrase "upon the Lord" is utilized without distinction, similar to the term "in the Lord." This aligns with the Apostle's teaching: “Whoever boasts, let him boast in the Lord”; and further, if anyone thinks he stands, let him take heed lest he fall. Thus, he advises to restore others gently, while also being mindful of oneself to avoid succumbing to temptation.
Rejoice in Christ You who approach the Lord not through restraint but through your own free choice, celebrate in the Lord and find joy, O righteous ones. Exalt, all you who are pure of heart, in Christ Jesus our Lord, who reigns eternally. Amen.
Delight rather than self-deception In asserting his authority, he reminds us that the just ought to find joy not in themselves but in the Lord. As it is often expressed, the one who takes pride in their own accomplishments is misled by empty hopes, while the one who delights in the Lord experiences genuine and boundless joy.
At the commencement of the psalm, the justified are called blessed, and as it concludes, there is an encouragement towards joy, which subtly reinforces the importance of remaining steadfast in justification. Rejoice in the Lord, and exult in the righteous. This suggests, 'You have ample cause for joy and gladness, yet it must come from the Lord, who is the sole source of your abundant blessings. Do not mourn the passing of temporary treasures, for you will instead be compensated in eternity with an abundance of good things, as promised, poured out, pressed down, and overflowing (Luke 6:38). Even in this life, you will not be devoid of spiritual comfort.
Let there be praise for all the righteous in heart.' The same sentiment is echoed, showing that when we speak of boasting here, it does not refer to self-aggrandizement but rather to joyfully proclaiming praise to God, as it is often understood in Scripture—echoed in Paul’s letter to the Romans: we do not only boast, but we also rejoice in our tribulations (Rom. 5:3).
When we refer to the righteous in heart, we are speaking of the truly righteous, since genuine righteousness in the heart gives rise to accuracy in both speech and actions. Thus, the righteous are those whose hearts, words, and deeds align with the divine standard, or law of God. This alignment establishes a relationship where God is pleased with humanity, and humanity finds favor in God’s sight. Consequently, whatever circumstances befall a person, whether by divine decree or allowance, ought to be received with gratitude and borne with patience. This leads to not only truth residing in the heart but also peace and joy within the Holy Spirit, which constitutes the kingdom of God, as clarified by the Apostle in his letter to the Romans (Rom. 14:17). Therefore, it is right for the Prophet to proclaim, Blessed are those who turn away from iniquity and those who are cleansed from sin; and, Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice in the righteous: for the blessedness of the righteous is rooted in their true and steadfast joy.
Joy, happiness, and adoration will be granted to the just when they are placed at the right hand of the just Judge and receive their share in the Kingdom of Heaven.
On Saturday, a service is held for all the saints who have found peace in the Lord and now celebrate in His presence. Thus, the Prokeimenon: Rejoice in the Lord, and rejoice in the righteous. Verse: Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are concealed.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS