4. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy, or, they will joy and triumph. Nothing creates gladness so speedily,
surely, and abidingly as the salvation of God. Nations never will be glad till
they follow the leadership of the great Shepherd; they may shift their modes of
government from monarchies to republics, and from republics to communes, but
they will retain their wretchedness till they bow before the Lord of all. Sing for joy. Some sing for form, others for show, some as a duty, others as an
amusement, but to sing from the heart, because overflowing joy must find a
vent, this is to sing indeed. Whole nations will do this when Jesus reigns over
them in the power of his grace. For thou shalt judge the people righteously.
Wrong on the part of governors is a fruitful source of national woe, but where
the Lord rules, rectitude is supreme. He does ill to none. His laws are
righteousness itself. He rights all wrongs and releases all who are oppressed.
Justice on the throne is a fit cause for national exultation. And govern the
nations upon earth. He will lead them as a shepherd his flock, and through
his grace they will willingly follow; then will there be peace, plenty, and
prosperity. It is a fearful crime when a people who know the salvation of God
apostatize and say to the Lord, “depart
from us.” Selah. Before repeating the chorus, the note is again elevated,
that full force may be given to the burst of song and the accompaniment of
harps.
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