Psalms 9 is a song of hope and victory, looking forward to the coming of the everlasting kingdom. The first two verses exalt YHWH, and this is followed by a description of what He has done for the writer and for Israel in defeating all unrighteous opposition, and rendering them powerless. It would w... [ Continue Reading ]
‘For the Chief Musician; set to (‘al) Muth-labben. A Psalm of David. The psalm is offered for worship to or by the Choirmaster, and set to the tune ‘al Muth-labben (possibly ‘on the death of a son', but it has been suggested that by repointing it could mean ‘trebles (or ‘young women') for clarity'... [ Continue Reading ]
‘I will give thanks to YHWH with my whole heart; I will show forth all your marvellous works. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O you who are Most High.' The psalmist begins with a cry of worship and praise to YHWH. He declares his gratitude for what God has done... [ Continue Reading ]
‘When my enemies turn back, They stumble and perish at your presence (face). For you have maintained my right and my cause; You sit in the throne judging righteously. You have rebuked the nations, you have destroyed the unrighteous, You have blotted out their name for ever and ever. The enemy... [ Continue Reading ]
‘But YHWH sits enthroned for ever: He has established his throne for judgment; And he will judge the world in righteousness, He will minister judgment to the peoples in uprightness.' In contrast to the brevity of the nations is the eternity of YHWH. And in contrast to the unrighteousness of the n... [ Continue Reading ]
‘YHWH also will be a high tower for the oppressed, A high tower in times of trouble; And those who know your name will put their trust in you; For you, YHWH, have not forsaken those who seek you.' But it is not only the Davidic king who enjoys God's protection, it is he and all God's true people... [ Continue Reading ]
‘Sing praises to YHWH, who dwells in Zion: Declare among the peoples his doings. For he who makes official enquiry for blood remembers them; He does not forget the cry of the poor.' Indeed all the peoples, and not only Israel, are to know the praises of the One Who dwells in Zion, where His earth... [ Continue Reading ]
‘Have mercy upon me, O YHWH; Behold my affliction from those who hate me, You who lift me up from the gates of death; That I may show forth all your praise. In the gates of the daughter of Zion, I will rejoice in your salvation.' Having declared the general position the psalmist now applies it... [ Continue Reading ]
‘The nations are sunk down in the pit that they have made, In the net which they concealed is their own foot taken. YHWH has made himself known, he has executed judgment: The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah The consequence is that, thanks to God, those who have rais... [ Continue Reading ]
‘The wicked shall be turned back to Sheol, Even all the nations who forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten, Nor the expectation of the poor perish for ever.' After the pause and the music the final triumphant conclusion is reached. It deals with final principles. The unrighteous,... [ Continue Reading ]
‘ Arise, O YHWH; Do not let man prevail: Let the nations be judged in your sight. Put them in fear, O YHWH: Let the nations know themselves to be but men. Selah. The Psalm finishes with a cry to YHWH to bring about these purposes, and deal with the unrighteous nations. Let YHWH arise and prevent... [ Continue Reading ]