Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 9

This hymn celebrates the Lord's rule and triumph over evil. It may also respond to the laments in Psalms 3–7.

Some believe that Psalms 9 and 10 should be read together as one psalm in two parts. This is because Psalm 9 has a title, while Psalm 10 does not.

Despite some missing or inverted letters, the two psalms form an acrostic of the Hebrew alphabet. This means that each line or section begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

Other alphabetic acrostics include Psalms 25, 34, 37, 111–112, 119, and 145.

The ancient Greek and Latin translations treat Psalms 9 and 10 as one psalm.

• The verb translated as give thanks is also translated as thank in Psalm 7:17. This shows a strong connection between Psalms 7 and 9 (see 7:17; 8:1–2).

  The phrase with all my heart shows the psalmist’s deep devotion and commitment (Psalms 86:12; 111:1; 119:10; 138:1).

• I will recount: These stories teach the next generation (Psalms 78:4; 145:4). If forgotten, a generation might easily turn away from the Lord (Psalms 78:11, 32).

• Your wonders: These include the Lord’s judgments on the enemies of his people (Psalm 9:4) and his care for the oppressed (9:9). The wonders in creation, redemption, and revelation show his character and power (Psalms 89:5; 111:4; 119:18, 27). His powerful acts inspire public praise (Psalm 9:1; 26:7; 75:1).

However, that tune (or song) is no longer known. The same is true for the tunes mentioned in Psalms 22, 45, 56–60, 69, 75, and 80.

rejoice … will sing praise: The psalmist often connects joy with praises, as one leads to the other (Psalm 5:11–12; 32:11; 67:4; 90:14; 92:4).

The psalmist praises God's judgment of the wicked. This shows the Lord's promise to establish his kingdom on earth is trustworthy (Psalms 1:6; 2).

retreat … stumble: The Lord overpowers even powerful enemies (see Psalm 27:2). Israel also experienced judgment when it resisted the Lord (107:12).

The throne represents the Lord’s royal authority.

God created the heavens and the earth with a word (Genesis 1), and he can end nations with a word (see Psalm 2:5).

Those who do evil will not endure forever. God promises that their power and influence will come to an end (Psalm 69:28; Psalm 109:13; Revelation 21:4).

The godly do not rely on human governments, which can be weak or corrupt. They understand that earthly rulers are limited and sometimes unfair.

Instead, they put their hope in God’s eternal rule. God governs with perfect justice and fairness (see Psalms 96–100).

• The Lord offers shelter in dangerous situations and protection from powerful and oppressive people. The psalms often describe the LORD as:

  • a fortress (Psalm 18:2; 31:2),

  • a rock (Psalm 18:2; 42:9),

  • strength (Psalm 18:1), and

  • a strong tower (Psalm 144:2).

  These images appear frequently in royal prayers (see Psalm 9:9; 18:30).

• Even oppressed, afflicted, and marginalized people (Psalm 10:17; 74:21) can receive divine protection.

• Times of trouble (Psalm 10:1; 20:1) contrast with moments when the Lord openly shows favor to the afflicted (69:13; 102:13; see Psalm 107:6).

At times, a person may feel separated from the Lord. The psalms describe moments of spiritual alienation or distress (Psalms 22:1; 42:9; 119:8)

Even in these times, the psalms affirm God’s faithfulness. The Lord does not abandon his people (16:10; 37:25, 28).

Understanding that the Lord judges some wicked people (Psalm 9:3–6) and promises to judge all evil (9:7–10) inspires praise. The psalmist invites the godly community to join him.

The psalm writers often connect the idea that God dwells (or sits, or is enthroned) with a specific place, such as:

• heaven (Psalm 2:4; see 47:9),

• Jerusalem,

• "between the cherubim"(Psalms 80:1; 99:1),

• "on high" (Psalm 113:5), or

• "at my right hand" (Psalm 110:1).

Since the Lord rules the world, everyone must know about his unforgettable deeds of salvation (see Psalm 9:1; 64:9; 66:16; 105:1).

The Lord saves his servants and punishes those who have harmed them (Psalm 18:46). He defends his servants by fairly judging his enemies on earth (Psalm 58:11). Those who follow God do not seek revenge. Instead, they wait for the Lord to defend them (Psalm 94:1–2; Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19).

• The psalmist returns from a vision of the glorious future to the reality of facing his enemies (Psalm 9:3).

• The gates are a strong image of the powerful grip of death (see Psalm 13:3–4).

• The gates of Daughter Zion (that is, Jerusalem) provide an intentional contrast to the gates of death.

Hope requires waiting for the Lord’s rescue or justice (Psalms 25:3, 5, 21). The godly experience hope, rest, and peace as they wait for the Lord (see Psalm 1:6; 27:14).

• The psalmist concludes his lament by asking God to act on his behalf. He prays for the Lord’s intervention against those who do wrong. This includes a request for divine vengeance (God’s just punishment of evildoers). The psalmist trusts that only God can bring true justice.

• but men: People who gain power and honor can become oppressive and assume glory for themselves (see Psalm 8:4; 10:18).