Psalms 9 - The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann

Bible Comments
  • Psalms 9:1-6 open_in_new

    A Song of Praise for Victory over the Enemies.

    Thanksgiving for the Victory Gained.

    To the chief musician, for use in liturgical services, upon Muth-labben, that is, to be sung after the melody known as "Death to the Son," probably that of a folk-song, a psalm of David.

  • Psalms 9:2 open_in_new

    Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, most excellent maxims of proper behavior,

  • Psalms 9:3 open_in_new

    that I might make thee know the certainty, the strict correctness or verity, of the words of truth, that thou, equipped with this knowledge, mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? The reference is to the parents, who have sent their son to the teacher of wisdom and expect him to become proficient in the principles of true wisdom. After this introductory admonition to heed the precepts of truth the author offers maxims of pious conduct.

  • Psalms 9:4 open_in_new

    Rob not the poor, depriving him of his property by force or by a show of right, because he is poor, unable to procure assistance, neither oppress the afflicted in the gate, the place where local cases were usually decided by the elders or judges of the city;

  • Psalms 9:5 open_in_new

    Thou hast destroyed the wicked, Thou hast put out their name forever and ever, blotting it out of history, destroying its remembrance.

  • Psalms 9:6 open_in_new

    O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end, desolation and ruin is found where the enemy formerly flourished; and Thou, Jehovah as the Leader of Israel's armies, hast destroyed cities, plucking them up, rooting them out; their memorial is perished with them, God had caused their complete annihilation. Note: The way of unbelief is to praise human power and valor, but believers give thanks to God alone for His almighty assistance in all troubles.

  • Psalms 9:7 open_in_new

    But the Lord shall endure forever, sitting secure on the throne of His majesty; He hath prepared His throne for judgment, and the last Great Day is foreshadowed by every individual punishment upon nations.

  • Psalms 9:8 open_in_new

    And He shall judge the world in righteousness, dispensing justice by virtue of His righteousness; He shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness, as the highest principles of divine right demand it.

  • Psalms 9:9 open_in_new

    The Lord also will be a Refuge, a height, or stronghold, for the oppressed, where they may be safe from the attacks of their enemies, a Refuge in times of trouble, when all hope seems to be cut off.

  • Psalms 9:11 open_in_new

    Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion, intoning psalms to Jehovah, as He dwells in the midst of His people, His Church; declare among the people His doings, every believer feeling constrained to publish the facts pertaining to his salvation.

  • Psalms 9:12 open_in_new

    When He maketh inquisition for blood, He remembereth them, rather, "For the Avenger of blood, He who avenges bloodshed by punishing the murderers, remembers them"; He forgetteth not the cry of the humble, those who are subject to violence at the hands of the wicked.

  • Psalms 9:13 open_in_new

    Have mercy upon me, O Lord, showing him His divine favor or grace; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, being afflicted by them on all sides, Thou that liftest me up from the gates of death, where he was almost ready to be imprisoned, as the enemies sought his life,

  • Psalms 9:14 open_in_new

    that I may show forth all Thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion, proclaiming it in public, making it known to numbers of people everywhere. I will rejoice in Thy salvation, happy over his deliverance from the hands of all enemies, whether physical or spiritual.

  • Psalms 9:15 open_in_new

    The heathen, the enemy nations who hoped to gain a victory over Israel, are sunk down in the pit that they made, being plunged down suddenly; in the net which they hid, hoping to snare the members of the Lord's people, is their own foot taken.

  • Psalms 9:16 open_in_new

    The Lord is known by the judgment which He executeth, in overthrowing the plans of the wicked; the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands, his plans resulting in his own detriment. Higgaion, that is, meditation, a long pause being made here in order to impress the truth of the last statements upon the hearers. Selah.

  • Psalms 9:17 open_in_new

    The wicked shall be turned into hell, to suffer everlasting punishment, and all the nations that forget God.

  • Psalms 9:18 open_in_new

    For the needy shall not alway be forgotten, though it may often seem that his misery will never be ended; the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever, those humbled by strokes of affliction will finally see their deliverance.

  • Psalms 9:19 open_in_new

    Arise, O Lord, David's usual powerful appeal; let not man prevail, grow strong to carry out his evil designs; let the heathen be judged in Thy sight, the condemnation striking them and preventing their wicked designs.

  • Psalms 9:20 open_in_new

    Put them in fear, O Lord, constant terror keeping them in subjection, that the nations may know themselves to be but men, a fact which ought to keep them from every form and show of conceit and arrogance, ever humble in the sight of Jehovah. Selah. The prayer of all afflicted believers is this, that God would make the enemies realize their puny strength and keep them from harming the Church of God.