What is the meaning of Psalm 64:10?

Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD

The psalmist opens with a call to joyful celebration. This is not optional enthusiasm; it is a Spirit-prompted response to who God is and what He does.

• The righteous—those made right with God by faith—are commanded to rejoice “in the LORD,” not in changing circumstances. Psalm 32:11 similarly urges, “Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous.”

• Joy rooted in the Lord is sturdy. Nehemiah encouraged weary exiles, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Paul echoes the same heartbeat centuries later: “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4).

• Rejoicing honors God’s character. Celebrating His faithfulness, mercy, and sovereignty affirms the literal truth of every promise He has spoken.

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and take refuge in Him

Joy does not ignore trouble; it flourishes because the righteous have a safe place to run.

• “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). He isn’t distant or hesitant; He is “ever-present.”

• Refuge implies active trust. Proverbs 18:10 declares, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Running to Him means choosing prayer over panic, obedience over compromise, worship over worry.

• The Lord personally shelters His people: “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7). His care is literal, practical, and certain.

• When the righteous rejoice and take refuge, these are two sides of the same coin—confidence expressed outwardly (joy) and inwardly (trust).

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let all the upright in heart exult

The closing phrase widens the invitation. Upright in heart emphasizes integrity before God, a life aligned with His ways.

• Psalm 97:11-12 celebrates the same group: “Light is sown on the righteous, gladness on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones.” Uprightness and joy travel together.

• An upright heart gives boldness: “Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God” (1 John 3:21). When nothing festers in the shadows, praise flows freely.

• Upright people exult—overflowing, triumphant joy. Peter describes believers who “rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8).

• Integrity is cultivated by drawing near: “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22). The closer we walk with the Lord, the louder our exultation becomes.

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summary

Psalm 64:10 paints a threefold picture of God’s people:

1. Rejoicing—celebrating God Himself.

2. Refuge-seeking—resting in His protection.

3. Exulting—overflowing with unshakable gladness.

Because every word of Scripture is true, we can take this verse literally: the righteous really do have reason to rejoice, a sure place to hide, and an invitation to exuberant praise today.