REJOICING & EXULTATION
Introduction Rejoicing and exultation are repeatedly enjoined in Holy Scripture. A search on the phrase “(rejoice or rejoicing) and (exult or exultation)” in the NASB95 yields the following results (1 Sam. 2:1; 2 Sam. 1:20; Job 3:22; 31:29; Ps. 35:9; 68:3; Isa. 61:10; Hos. 9:1; Hab. 3:18; Zeph. 3:14, 17; 1 Pet. 4:13). Joy is not dependent upon favorable circumstances, but may be evidenced in the lives of faithful disciples at all times.
Shameful Rejoicing Do not rejoice with the revelry of the wicked (Hos. 9:1-6, esp. vs. 1). Do not rejoice at the death of an enemy (2 Sam. 1:20-27, esp. vs. 20; Job 31:29-30).
Sacred Rejoicing Hannah rejoiced at the birth of Samuel (1 Samuel 2:1-11, esp. vs. 1). Job rejoiced at the prospective end of physical suffering (Job 3:20-26, esp. vs. 22). The Psalmist rejoiced at the deliverance of the afflicted (Ps. 35:9-18, esp. vs. 9; 68:1-6, esp. vs. 3). Peter exhorted the disciples to rejoice in the face of persecution (1 Peter 4:12-19, esp. vs. 13).
Sacred Rejoicing Isaiah prophetically foreshadowed the rejoicing that comes through the preaching of the gospel (Isaiah 61:1-11, esp. vs. 10). Zephaniah prophesied of the rejoicing derived from divine forgiveness and fellowship (Zephaniah 3:14- 20, esp. vs. 14 & 17). Habakkuk demonstrated calm repose in the face of destruction and despair (Habakkuk 3:16-19, esp. vs 18).
Conclusion Regardless of circumstances, let us rejoice in the Lord (Phil. 3:1; 4:4-14). Do you share a relationship with Jesus (Eph. 1:3-6)? Have you been baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27)?