Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

Pss 9–10 This hymn celebrates the Lord’s kingship and victory over evil. It might also serve as a response to the laments of Pss 3–7. Some believe that Pss 9 and 10 should be read together as one psalm in two parts because Ps 9 includes a title and Ps 10 does not, and although several letters are missing or inverted, the two psalms connect as an acrostic of the Hebrew alphabet (other such alphabetic acrostics are Pss 25, 34, 37, 111–112, 119, 145). The ancient Greek and Latin translations treat 9 and 10 as one.

9:title This psalm was originally sung to the tune “Death of the Son,” but that tune is no longer known. So also with the tunes mentioned in Pss 22, 45, 56–60, 69, 75, and 80.

9:1 The verb translated praise is translated “thank” in 7:17, suggesting a close connection between Pss 7 and 9 (see 7:17; 8:1-2). With all my heart expresses the psalmist’s deep devotion and commitment (86:12; 111:1; 119:10; 138:1). • I will tell: These stories educate the next generation (78:4; 145:4); when they are not remembered, a generation might easily depart from the Lord (78:11, 32). • The marvelous things include the Lord’s judgments on the enemies of his people (9:4) and his care for the oppressed (9:9). The wonders in creation, in redemption, and in revelation reveal his character and show his power (89:5; 111:4; 119:18, 27). His powerful manifestations evoke public praise (9:1; 26:7; 75:1).

Verse 2

9:2 filled with joy . . . sing praises: The psalmist often connects joy with praises, as one leads to the other (5:11-12; 32:11; 67:4; 90:14; 92:4).

Verse 3

9:3-6 The psalmist celebrates God’s judgment of the wicked, which is a testimony to the Lord’s reliable promise to establish his kingdom on earth (1:6; Ps 2).

9:3 retreated . . . staggered: The Lord overpowers even powerful enemies (see 27:2). Israel also experienced judgment when it resisted the Lord (107:12).

Verse 4

9:4 The throne represents the Lord’s royal authority.

Verse 5

9:5 God created the heavens and the earth with a word (Gen 1), and he can bring nations to an end with a word (see Ps 2:5). Evil and those who do evil will come to an absolute end (69:28; 109:13; Rev 21:4).

Verse 7

9:7-10 The godly do not put their hope in corruptible human government but in God’s everlasting rule of justice and fairness (see Pss 96–100).

Verse 9

9:9 The Lord provides shelter in dangerous circumstances and refuge from powerful and oppressive people. The Psalter includes many similar images of the Lord, such as fortress (18:2; 31:2), rock (18:2; 42:9), strength (18:1), and strong tower (144:2). These images occur frequently in the royal prayers (see 9:9; 18:30). • Even oppressed, afflicted, and marginalized people (10:17; 74:21) can enjoy divine protection. • The times of trouble (10:1; 20:1) stand in contrast with appointed times when the Lord openly bestows his favor upon the afflicted (69:13; 102:13; see Ps 107:6).

Verse 10

9:10 Alienation from the Lord might be part of an individual’s experience (22:1; 42:9; 119:8), yet the psalms affirm that the Lord will not abandon his people (16:10; 37:25, 28).

Verse 11

9:11-12 Recognition that the Lord’s judgment falls on some of the wicked (9:3-6) and that God promises to judge all evil (9:7-10) motivates praise. The psalmist calls on the godly community to join him.

9:11 The psalm writers often connect the idea that God reigns (or sits, or is enthroned) with a place, such as heaven (2:4; see 47:9), Jerusalem, “between the cherubim” (80:1; 99:1), “on high” (113:5), or “at my right hand” (110:1). Since the Lord rules the world, all people must know of his unforgettable deeds of salvation (see 9:1; 64:9; 66:16; 105:1).

Verse 12

9:12 The Lord avenges and saves his servants (18:46) by righteously judging his enemies on earth (58:11). The godly do not seek revenge; they wait for the Lord to vindicate them (94:1-2; Deut 32:35; Rom 12:19).

Verse 13

9:13-14 The psalmist returns from a vision of the glorious future to the reality of facing his enemies (9:3). • The jaws (literally gates) are a vivid image of the powerful grip of death (see 13:3-4). • Jerusalem’s gates provide an intentional contrast to the “gates” of death.

Verse 18

9:18 Hope requires waiting for the Lord’s rescue or justice (25:3, 5, 21). The godly find hope, rest, and quietness as they await the Lord (see 1:6; 27:14).

Verse 19

9:19-20 The psalmist ends his lament with a prayer for the Lord’s intervention and divine vengeance. • mere mortals . . . merely human: Humans who have received authority and glory sometimes become oppressive and assume glory for themselves (see 8:4; 10:18).