Psalm 9: A Song of Thanksgiving
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Psalm 9 is filled with thanksgiving for deliverance from oppressors (vv. 1, 2).
When God appears, evildoers are defeated by His power (v. 3).
God’s judgment is accurate, and His righteousness is vindicated (v. 4).
The enemies of righteousness will eventually be destroyed forever.
Nothing will mark their prior existence (vv. 5, 6).
God, who changes not, is immortal (v. 7).
His judgments are pure, and He will judge the whole world during the final judgment (v. 8). The righteous have no need to fear God’s verdicts.
He is a refuge for those who are oppressed (v. 9).
He can be trusted to protect His children in the latter days.
He will not forsake them (v. 10). “God’s wondrous ways to Israel are to be proclaimed to all nations, that these nations too may acknowledge God and enjoy His protection. God’s mercy was not meant for Israel alone (see Ps. 105:1). This sentiment occurs throughout the psalms. If Israel had learned this lesson, the rigid exclusiveness practiced by the Pharisees would never have existed.” God will avenge the taking of innocent life (v. 12).
David would have God be merciful and consider the difficulties he is currently experiencing (v. 13). “Since the dead cannot praise God (Ps. 88:10–12; 115:17), the psalmist calls on God to save him so that he may praise Him among the living [vv. 13, 14].” God allows the nations that plot evil to fall by their own hand. In the final judgment, wicked people will receive their just reward. God will not forget the poor and needy on that great Judgment Day (vv. 15–18).
David asks God to arise and judge the world (v. 19).
“For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it” (Psalm 94:14, 15). Humankind cannot prevaricate in the sight of this eternal Judge [v. 20].
“How long, O Lord our God, / Holy and true and good, / Wilt Thou not judge Thy suffering church, / Her sighs and tears and blood?”
