Psalms 9 - Introduction

A.M. 2986. B.C. 1018.

Upon what particular occasion this Psalm was composed is not known. Dr. Horne, Henry, and some others, think it might probably be to celebrate the victories gained by David over the neighbouring nations, after God had exalted him to be king of Sion. With this the matter of the Psalm seems to agree, relating, it appears, to the manifold dangers he had been in, and the deliverance God had graciously given him out of them. Accordingly he praises God for giving him victory over his enemies, Psalms 9:1. Triumphs in confidence that God would judge the world and protect his people, Psalms 9:7. Calls others to praise him, Psalms 9:11; Psalms 9:12. Prays for help, and praises God, Psalms 9:13.

Title of the Psalm. Upon Muth-labben, Hebrew words, which may be rendered, upon the death of the son, or of one called Labben, or of the man between, namely, Goliath, so called in the Hebrew text of 1 Samuel 17:4. Accordingly, Dr. Waterland renders this title, Upon the death of the champion. Very similar to which is the Chaldee, “To be sung on occasion of the death of the man who went forth from the camp.” Hence many have supposed that the Psalm relates to the victory obtained by David over Goliath. But this does not agree with Psalms 9:14, where mention is made of praising God in Zion, which then and long after was in the hands of the Jebusites. Perhaps, therefore, this term Muth-labben is only the name of some tune or instrument, of which we may be content to be ignorant, as the Jewish doctors also are.