Psalms 9ESV
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Psalms9

English Standard Version

1To the : according to . A of . I will to the Lord with my ; I will all of your deeds.

2I will be and in you; I will to your , O .

3When my , they and .

4For you have my ; you have on the , judgment.

5You have the ; you have the ; you have out their and .

6The came to an in ; their cities you ; the of them has .

7But the Lord enthroned ; he has his for ,

8and he the with ; he the with .

9The Lord is a for the , a in of .

10And those who your put their in you, for you, O Lord, have not those who you.

11 praises to the Lord, who enthroned in ! among the his !

12For he who is of them; he does not the of the .

13Be to me, O Lord! my from those who me, O you who me up from the of ,

14that I may your , that in the of the of I may in your .

15The have in the that they ; in the they , their own has been .

16The Lord has made himself ; he has ; the are in the of their own .

17The shall to , the that .

18For the shall not be , and the of the shall not .

19 , O Lord! Let not ; let the be you!

20 them in , O Lord! the that they are but !

Study Guide

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 9.

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Chapter Summary

In this chapter: David praises God for protecting his people. (1–10). And for cause to praise him. (11–20).

vv1-10

If we would praise God acceptably, we must praise him in sincerity, with our whole heart. When we give thanks for some one particular mercy, we should remember former mercies. Our joy must not be in the gift, so much as in the Giver. The triumphs of the Redeemer ought to be the triumphs of the redeemed. The almighty power of God is that which the strongest and stoutest of his enemies are no way able to stand before. We are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth, and that with him there is no unrighteousness. His people may, by faith, flee to him as their Refuge, and may depend on his power and promise for their safety, so that no real hurt shall be done to them. Those who know him to be a God of truth and faithfulness, will rejoice in his word of promise, and rest upon that. Those who know him to be an everlasting Father, will trust him with their souls as their main care, and trust in him at all times, even to the end; and by constant care seek to approve themselves to him in the whole course of their lives. Who is there that would not seek him, who never hath forsaken those that seek Him?

vv11-20

Those who believe that God is greatly to be praised, not only desire to praise him better themselves, but desire that others may join with them. There is a day coming, when it will appear that he has not forgotten the cry of the humble; neither the cry of their blood, or the cry of their prayers. We are never brought so low, so near to death, but God can raise us up. If he has saved us from spiritual and eternal death, we may thence hope, that in all our distresses he will be a very present help to us. The overruling providence of God frequently so orders it, that persecutors and oppressors are brought to ruin by the projects they formed to destroy the people of God. Drunkards kill themselves; prodigals beggar themselves; the contentious bring mischief upon themselves: thus men's sins may be read in their punishment, and it becomes plain to all, that the destruction of sinners is of themselves. All wickedness came originally with the wicked one from hell; and those who continue in sin, must go to that place of torment. The true state, both of nations and of individuals, may be correctly estimated by this one rule, whether in their doings they remember or forget God. David encourages the people of God to wait for his salvation, though it should be long deferred. God will make it appear that he never did forget them: it is not possible he should. Strange that man, dust in his and about him, should yet need some sharp affliction, some severe visitation from God, to bring him to the knowledge of himself, and make him feel who and what he is.

Cross References

Psalms 9
v8Acts 17:31thematic

Paul echoes this verse, declaring God will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v12Genesis 9:5thematic

Identifies the fundamental covenant law requiring a reckoning and inquisition for shed blood.

Supported by JFB

v12Revelation 6:10thematic

Depicts God making inquisition for the blood of saints who cry out to Him.

Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB

v5Proverbs 10:7contrast

Contrasts the blessed memory of the just with the perished name of the wicked.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v9Psalms 46:1thematic

Confirms God as a very present help and refuge in times of trouble.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v15Psalms 7:15thematic

Parallel description of the wicked falling into the very pit they digged for others.

Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB

v1Habakkuk 1:16contrast

Calvin contrasts David's wholehearted praise to God with those who sacrifice to their own net.

Supported by John Calvin

v51 Samuel 17:4thematic

Poole links David's victory over the Philistine champion to the defeat of the wicked enemy.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v12Psalms 10:12thematic

Echoes the prayer for God to arise and remember the humble and oppressed.

Supported by JFB

v18Psalms 10:17thematic

Confirms God hears the desire of the humble and will not forget them.

Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB

v4Romans 2:2thematic

Asserts that the judgment of God is according to truth and righteousness.

Supported by Matthew Henry

The ultimate establishing of the great white throne of judgment before which enemies flee.

Supported by Matthew Poole

The eternal God is a dwelling place and refuge for His people.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v13Matthew 16:18contrast

Contrasts the gates of death from which God lifts us with the gates of hell.

Supported by JFB

v12Psalms 9:18thematic

Internal echo emphasizing that the expectation of the poor shall not perish.

Supported by JFB