Day 21

Psalm 9 prt 2

—God Remembers Man Forgets. 

The title indicates for us that David wrote this Psalm to God Himself (generally regarded as the “Chief Musician”) to a popularly known tune in his day (in Hebrew, “Muth Labben”). In this Psalm, David celebrates the help and goodness of God with a big vision for the nations. 

 Some (e.g.NKJV) associate the title with the phrase The Death of the Son and apply that title “Concerning the death of the Champion who went out between the camps,” to Goliath. Perhaps David wrote this Psalm many years later remembering the victory over Goliath. Psalms 9 & 10, taken together, form a single acrostic. 

David recognized that God was worthy of praise with the whole heart because half a heart is no heart. (v1-2) His entire being should be directed in affection towards God. A wonderful way to praise God is to tell of His marvellous works. To a Hebrew that was the redemptive miracles – for us, it is the cross. 

To rejoice/exult (V2) is expressing gladness and joy in God. This is simply choosing to rest in and celebrate the goodness, greatness, and kindness of God. To sing His praises is to honour and celebrate the character and nature of God, recognizing Him as the Most High. 

Then he recounts a reason more specific to his present circumstances; he praised God for the way that the Most High defeated his enemies(v3-5). Especially on the principle of right and wrong. We seem to have lost the focus of praising God for His righteousness. 1000 years after this psalm was written Paul quoted it from Mars Hill(Acts 17:31). 

David then goes on to talk of how God regards the oppressed(V9-12). It reminds us that God will remember and avenge the blood of His downtrodden people. C.f. Rev 6. In anticipation we can rejoice in our salvation. The destiny of the wicked is then described (v15-18). Here, he considered the end of those who forget God – ultimate destruction in sheol – the place of the dead. (Older versions have Hell) 

Psalm 9 ends(19-20) with an appeal for God to glorify Himself among the nations.