Psalm 68 (67):4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They will then hear the words, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom." Let the workers rejoice and be glad in the presence of God. This joy will not be characterized by empty boasting before others; instead, it will be before the One who sees clearly the gifts He has granted. Let them embrace true joy, not one that is rooted in anxiety, as is often the case in this world where life is filled with challenges. Furthermore, He speaks directly to those whom He has instilled with such immense hope, encouraging them in this life: "Sing to God, sing to His name."

Sinners will be removed from the presence of God, as they are unworthy to behold Him. Yet, the righteous will celebrate (Psalm 67:4). Those who have maintained their integrity and are free from vice should find joy in the Lord. They ought to “rejoice before God and rejoice with gladness.” To take delight in the Lord is a profound privilege. Just as a steward who has misused the resources entrusted to him by his master and has squandered them fears his master's arrival, so too does the good steward experience joy in his master's presence.

‘And the righteous shall rejoice.’ When this occurs, the prophet declares, the entire assembly of the just will be filled with gladness. ‘Let them celebrate before God, let them delight in joy.’ In this, the prophet reveals that his supplication is not directed against humanity, but against the malevolent spirits who oppose them. When these foes are scattered and rendered powerless, the nations will exult and honor God, the one who delivers them. As the prophet states: “Sing to our God, sing to His name, praise Him who sits in the heavens; His name is Lord, and rejoice before His face.”

The righteous will find joy when the forces of evil are vanquished. It is stated that all who have been justified through faith in Christ will celebrate. They should rejoice in the presence of God and express their joy abundantly. If those justified by Christ are to rejoice before God, who always looks after them, it aligns with the Scripture that says: the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous (Psalm 33:16). The phrases “let them rejoice” and “let them be glad” convey the same sentiment, highlighting the amplification and overflowing nature of their joy.

The initial manifestation of God's supreme authority is shown through the defeat of opposing forces, which is succeeded by a second act—the joy and fulfillment experienced by the children of the Kingdom, to whom God’s presence is fully granted. They celebrate—in faith, which brings them the peace of God that transcends all comprehension; they leap—with acts of charity; they find joy—in the expectation of glory.

In this passage, David expresses the idea that God, out of concern for His church, is apprehensive about adversaries. He appears to juxtapose the joy of God's people with the anguish they experienced during Saul's reign. It's as if he suggests that after a period of humbling His servants, God is now shining forth a new and uplifting light so that they are not perpetually burdened by sorrow. In this context, David teaches that the faithful find true joy and gladness when they witness God's benevolence towards them and realize that their salvation brings Him pleasure. Through a variety of expressions conveying a similar sentiment, the Prophet illustrates that the joy of the righteous will be profound, engaging and uplifting all their senses.

This Psalm, attributed to David and inspired by the Holy Spirit, reflects the establishment of God's covenant in Jerusalem and the purposeful triumph over many foes. It conveys the countless blessings of God, as seen in the Old Testament, where He guided the Israelites from bondage in Egypt to the Promised Land, provided the law from Mount Sinai, and foretold the sacraments of the New Testament. It highlights key moments of Christ the Savior's life: His incarnation, baptism, transfiguration, suffering, resurrection, ascension, and the coming of the Holy Spirit, as well as other ineffable actions of the Divine.

Those who are righteous and find joy in God their Redeemer include the faithful followers of the true God in the Old Testament, as well as the devout and genuine worshippers in the New Testament who adhere to orthodox Christian teachings.