Psalm 9:1-10

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.

V. 1. I will praise Thee, O Lord, in a song of thanksgiving, with my whole heart, with all the powers of the soul; I will show forth all Thy marvelous works, declaring their greatness before all men. V. 2. I will be glad and rejoice in Thee, exulting in the favor shown him by Jehovah; I will sing praise to Thy name, O Thou Most High, giving Him the credit for the victories gained by singing psalms extolling His honor, the greatness of His attributes.

V. 3. When mine enemies are turned back, overthrown in battle, they shall fall and perish at Thy presence, when God sets His face against them. V. 4. For Thou hast maintained my right and my cause, upholding him and vindicating him by granting him the victory; Thou satest in the throne judging right, dispensing justice. V. 5. Thou hast rebuked the heathen, in granting the victory to the arms of David; Thou hast destroyed the wicked, Thou hast put out their name forever and ever, blotting it out of history, destroying its remembrance.

V. 6. O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end, desolation and ruin is found where the enemy formerly flourished; and Thou, Yahweh 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.

A PROPHETIC VIEW OF THE VICTORY OF FAITH. — V. 7. 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. V. 8. 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.

V. 9. 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. V. 10. And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee, sure of a safe refuge under the shadow of His wings; for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.

Compare Luke 21, 16-19; 22, 30.