Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Chronicles 16:31
What does 1 Chronicles 16:31 mean?
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1 Chronicles 16:31
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Notice how this passage doesn't just command people to praise God, but calls on creation itself to join in! It reveals God's reign as so immense and glorious that even the skies and the ground are meant to echo the announcement, "The LORD reigns!"
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, a momentous occasion marking a new era for Israel's worship and God's presence among His people. This psalm, which David wrote for the occasion, celebrates God's faithfulness and announces His reign not just to Israel but to all nations. It sets the stage for the subsequent chapters where David establishes ongoing worship and organization for the tabernacle.
We often think of praise as a human activity, but what if the whole universe is meant to join in? This verse paints a picture of cosmic celebration.
Get ready to see creation in a whole new light!
The Earth and Heavens Are Called to Rejoice
This verse isn't just a nice thought; it's a command and a declaration. God's mighty acts, specifically the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (as seen in the context of 1 Chronicles 16), are so significant that they evoke a response from the entire created order.
It’s not enough for creation to rejoice internally; God’s reign is meant to be declared to all nations.
This concept reveals the missional heart of God's kingdom.
Announcing God's Kingship Globally
The verse moves from the cosmic praise of creation to the vocal testimony of humanity, specifically "among the nations."
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Understand the original words
shamayim · Hebrew Noun
A general term for the expanse of space above the earth, often used in scripture to represent the dwelling place of God, the created order that testifies to His glory, or the heavens as a witness to human affairs.
malak · Hebrew Verb
The Creator's sovereign authority and royal rule over all creation. In scripture, it signifies that God is King, establishing His kingdom, exercising authority, and exerting power over all historical and cosmic events.
This Psalm echoes the powerful declaration of God's reign, highlighting His majesty and strength that already existed before creation.
Psalm 96:10This passage directly parallels the sentiment, urging the nations to proclaim that the Lord reigns, emphasizing His righteous judgment.
Isaiah 52:7This verse speaks of a messenger proclaiming good news and announcing that the Lord reigns, connecting the idea of God's kingship to salvation.
Revelation 19:6This prophetic vision in Revelation powerfully confirms the ultimate triumph of God's reign, depicted as a great multitude shouting 'Hallelujah!'
Notice how this passage doesn't just command people to praise God, but calls on creation itself to join in! It reveals God's reign as so immense and glorious that even the skies and the ground are meant to echo the announcement, "The LORD reigns!"
David is bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, a momentous occasion marking a new era for Israel's worship and God's presence among His people. This psalm, which David wrote for the occasion, celebrates God's faithfulness and announces His reign not just to Israel but to all nations. It sets the stage for the subsequent chapters where David establishes ongoing worship and organization for the tabernacle.
David is bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, a momentous occasion marking a new era for Israel's worship and God's presence among His people. This psalm, which David wrote for the occasion, celebrates God's faithfulness and announces His reign not just to Israel but to all nations. It sets the stage for the subsequent chapters where David establishes ongoing worship and organization for the tabernacle.
"Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”" — Notice how this passage doesn't just command people to praise God, but calls on creation itself to join in! It reveals God's reign as so immense and glorious that even the skies and the ground are me…
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Last reviewed October 2026