But He who dwells in heaven will laugh at them. the Lord will despise them.
God’s laughter here is a poetic image that shows the emptiness and absurdity of the rebels’ ambitions. The Lord does not laugh at human suffering and is not indifferent to the ruin of sinners. He mocks that false confidence by which people think they can overthrow His authority. The expression “He who dwells in heaven” emphasizes God’s sovereignty. He is above all earthly powers, and no event takes Him by surprise. While rulers make plans in rebellion, the Lord remains unshaken. His silence is not weakness, and His patience is not agreement. For the believer, this word is a powerful comfort when evil seems victorious. God has not lost His throne, and human rebellion has a limit. Therefore the believer should not panic, but with peace should trust the Lord’s righteous rule.