John Calvin Commentary Psalms 89:15

"Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: They walk, O Jehovah, in the light of thy countenance." — Psalms 89:15 (ASV)

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound. Here the same train of reflection concerning the Church is pursued, not only because unbelievers are blind to the consideration of God’s works, but also because the prophet has no other purpose in view than to inspire the godly with good hope, so that they may with confidence rely upon God, and not be discouraged by any adversities from boldly calling upon him.

It is declared that those are happy to whom it is given to rejoice in God. For although all people in common are sustained and nourished by his liberality, yet the feeling of his paternal goodness is far from being experienced by all people in such a manner as to enable them, from a certain persuasion that he is favorable to them, to congratulate themselves on their happy condition.

It is, therefore, a singular privilege which he confers upon his chosen ones, to make them taste of his goodness, so that they may thereby be encouraged to be glad and rejoice. And, in fact, there is no more miserable condition than that of unbelievers, when by their brutish insensibility they trample underfoot the Divine benefits which they greedily devour; for the more abundantly God pampers them, the fouler is their ingratitude.

True happiness then consists in our apprehending the Divine goodness which, filling our hearts with joy, may stir us up to praise and thanksgiving.

The prophet afterwards proves from the effect that those who with joy and delight acknowledge God as their father are blessed, because they not only enjoy his benefits but also, confiding in his favor, pass the whole course of their life in mental peace and tranquillity. This is the import of walking in the light of God’s countenance: it is to repose upon his providence, from the certain persuasion that he has a special care for our well-being, and keeps careful watch to secure it effectively.

The expressions rejoicing in his name, and glorying in his righteousness, are to the same purpose. The idea involved in them is that believers find in God abundant, indeed, more than abundant, ground to rejoice and glory. The word daily appears to denote steadfast and unwavering perseverance; and thus the foolish arrogance of those who, inflated only with wind and presuming on their own strength, lift up their horns on high, is indirectly censured.

Standing as they do upon an insecure foundation, they must eventually, inevitably fall. From this it follows that there is no true magnanimity nor any power that can stand, except that which leans upon the grace of God alone. Even as we see how Paul (Romans 8:31) nobly boasts, If God be for us, who can be against us? and defies all calamities, both present and to come.