When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth,
&c.] As it always does, even in the worst of times; in times of public calamity and distress, and when enemies rise up on all hands; it is well with them in life, in death, and to all eternity; see ( Isaiah 3:10 ) ; but there are particular times when it goes well with them, which is matter of joy to others; when they prosper in the worm, increase in riches and honour, and are advanced to places of authority and trust; just magistrates in a city or commonwealth are a blessing, and so cause joy; see ( Proverbs 29:2 ) ; and when it goes well with them in spiritual things, they increase in gifts and grace, the humble hear of it and are glad; the city or church of God, the community of the saints, rejoice: and as it went well with them in Constantine's time, when Paganism was destroyed and persecution ceased; and at the time of the reformation, when the pure doctrines of the Gospel were revived, which were both times of joy to the city of God; so in the latter day, when the Lord's people will be righteous, the church will be the joy of many generations; and when the kingdom shall be given to the saints of the most High, and the kingdoms of the world become the Lord's and his Christ's, there will be great voices in heaven, rejoicings in the church, and a new song sung, ( Isaiah 60:21 Isaiah 60:15 ) ( Revelation 11:15 Revelation 11:17 ) ( Revelation 14:3 Revelation 14:4 ) ; and when the wicked perish, [there is] shouting;
as there will be great rejoicings, shoutings, and hallelujahs, when Babylon is fallen, ( Revelation 18:20 Revelation 18:21 ) ( Revelation 19:1 Revelation 19:2 ) .