John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 2. When the righteous are in authority , etc.] Or “are increased” f802 ; either in number or in riches, or in power and dominion; are set in high places, and have the exercise of civil government and the execution of the laws in their hands; for the protection of good men in their civil and religious privileges, and for the punishment of evil men; for the encouraging of all that is good, and for the discouraging of everything that is bad; the people rejoice ; the whole body of the people, because of the public good; a state is happy under such an administration; everyone feels and enjoys the advantage of it; (see 1 Kings 4:20); but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn ; or “groan” f803 , or “will groan”, under their tyranny and oppression, and because of the sad state of things; the number of good men is lessened, being cut off, or obliged to flee; wicked men and wickedness are encouraged and promoted; heavy taxes are laid upon them, and exorbitant demands made and cruelty, injustice, and arbitrary power exercised; and no man’s person and property safe; (see Proverbs 10:11 28:12,28).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 2 - The people have cause to rejoice or mourn, as their rulers ar righteous or wicked.
Original Hebrew ברבות7235 צדיקים6662 ישׂמח8055 העם5971 ובמשׁל4910 רשׁע7563 יאנח584 עם׃5971
