Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 9

Praise for God’s Righteous JudgmentsThis psalm celebrates God’s victories over David’s enemies, likely after he became king and defeated nations like the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:8 ). The specific title, Muth-labben, is not clear, but it may only refer to a tune or musical instrument. David leads himself and others in praising God for great things He has done for him and for Israel. The main points are about God’s power, justice, and care for His people. The psalm encourages us to praise God with sincere hearts and to trust Him in all situations.v. 1-2: David promises to praise God with his whole heart for all the wonderful things God has done. He says, I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High (Psalm 9:1-2 ). God wants us to thank Him sincerely, not just with words but with real joy. When we remember what God has done, we should praise Him for all His marvellous works. Singing is a good way to show our joy and thankfulness, and our happiness should focus on God Himself, not just His gifts. When God defeats proud enemies, we must praise Him as the Most High. The victories of Jesus mean victory for all who belong to Him (Revelation 12:10; 19:5; 15:3-4 ).

v. 3: David sees that when his enemies came against him, they were forced to run away and were defeated. He says, When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish at Your presence . God’s presence alone is enough to make enemies fall. Their plans and courage fail, and even when they try to escape, they are ruined. All victory belongs to God, not human strength. This is like when Jesus spoke and His enemies fell back at His words (John 18:6 ).

v. 4: David gives God the credit for defending him. You have maintained my right and my cause; You sat on the throne judging right . God rules as a fair judge. He decides what is right and protects those who are treated unfairly. Even if things seem unfair now, God will set everything right in the end. He will never let a just cause be ignored.

v. 5: David remembers how God defeated powerful, wicked people. He says, You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked; You have blotted out their name forever and ever . God first warns them, then brings judgment, and finally erases their fame and power forever. Their evil is met with God’s justice, and some are removed so completely that they are forgotten.

v. 6: David rejoices that the enemy’s power is totally broken. O enemy, destructions are finished forever! And you have destroyed cities; even their memory has perished . The enemies tried to destroy Israel’s cities, but now their own cities are ruined and forgotten. God’s judgment is complete and final. Time and God’s justice can erase even the greatest cities, but God’s people hope for a city with eternal foundations.

v. 7-8: David finds comfort in God’s eternal rule. The Lord

v. 9: God is a safe place for people who are hurt or troubled. The Lord

v. 10: David says that everyone who truly knows and trusts God will find Him faithful. Those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord

A Call to Praise God; Certain Ruin of the WickedThis section is about praising God and trusting Him to judge righteously. David encourages everyone to praise the Lord

v. 12: David reminds us that God always remembers those who suffer for Him. When He makes inquisition for blood, He remembers them; He does not forget the cry of the humble . God will avenge the blood of His people, just as He promised (Deuteronomy 32:43 ). Even if people forget, God does not. He will judge those who have hurt His people (Isaiah 26:21; Jeremiah 51:35; Psalm 72:14 ).

v. 13: David prays for God’s mercy. He asks, Have mercy on me, O Lord

v. 14: David promises to praise God if He saves him. He says, That I may show forth all Your praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in Your salvation . David wants to thank God publicly, not just for his own joy, but so others will also see God’s salvation and give Him glory.

v. 15-16: David explains that the wicked bring trouble on themselves. He says, The nations have sunk down in the pit which they made; in the net which they hid, their own foot is caught. The Lord

v. 17: David warns that all who forget God will be judged. The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God . Forgetting God leads to sin and punishment. Even large and powerful groups who ignore God will not escape judgment. Hell, or Sheol, is the final place for those who turn from God (Psalm 49:14 ).

v. 18: David gives hope to the poor and needy. The needy shall not always be forgotten; the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever . Even if it seems like God has forgotten them, He will remember and help them in the end. God’s promises can be trusted, even if the answer takes time.

v. 19: David prays for God to act against the proud. Arise, O Lord

v. 20: David asks God to make people realize their weakness. Put them in fear, O Lord