When the morning stars sang together
Either all the stars in a literal sense; for though, strictly speaking, there is but one morning star, yet all may be called so, because early created in the morning of the world; and are all stars of light, shine till the morning; and it is observed by some, that the nearer the morning the brighter they shine: and these in their way sing the praises of God, and set forth the glory of his perfections, and occasion songs of praise in men; see ( Psalms 148:3 ) ( 19:1 ) . Or figuratively, either angels, as most interpret them, comparable to stars for their glory, purity, and light, for their constancy, permanency, and numbers: or good men, particularly ministers of the word, and angels of the churches; who are stars in Christ's right hand, ( Revelation 1:20 ) ( 2:1 ) ; but the principal morning star is Christ himself, ( Revelation 22:16 ) ;
and all the sons of God shouted for joy;
which are usually understood of angels also, so the Targum; who are the sons of God, not by birth, as Christ, nor by adoption, as saints; but by creation, as Adam, ( Luke 3:38 ) . And because they bear some likeness to God, as holy spirits, and honour and obey him in doing his will; though the character of sons of God, as distinct from the children of men, given to professors of religion, obtained before the times of Job; see ( Genesis 6:2 ) ; and who might be said to sing together, and shout for joy, when they met for social worship; see ( Job 1:6 ) ; and especially when any fresh discoveries were made to them of the Messiah, and salvation by him. Thus Abraham, one of these sons of God, saw Christ's day and was glad, and shouted for joy, ( John 8:56 ) . For these words are not necessarily to be restrained to the laying of the foundation and cornerstone of the earth, as our version directs; though indeed the angels then might be present, being created as soon as the heavens were, and with the stars, as Capellus on this place observes; and rejoiced, when the foundations of the earth were laid, on beholding such a display of the power, wisdom, and goodness of God therein; and which may be said of them, in allusion to what is done at the laying of the foundation of any building of note; see ( Ezra 3:10 ) ; for it may be repeated from ( Job 38:4 ) ; "where wast thou when the morning stars" and so may refer to any rejoicing, whether of angels or men, before the times of Job, at which he was not present.