Psalm 9:1-20
Q.1. How did David feel about God? On what basis does God judge, and for how long? Does this apply to the godly and the wicked equally? – (Ps.9:1-10)
Our perception of life can fluctuate enormously. However, regardless of how we feel, the truth is that – 7 the Lord abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment, 8 and He will judge the world in righteousness; He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity (Ps.9:7-8). When he wrote this Psalm, David was aware that his enemies were defeated, and that God had – blotted out their name forever and ever (Ps:9:5). He was in a buoyant mood as he declared – 1 I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders. 2 I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High (Ps.9:1-2). God is especially compassionate toward the downtrodden. They can count on Him. He also has a soft place in His heart for those who trust Him, regardless of their circumstances they are in – 9 The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble; 10 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You (Ps.9:9-10).
Q.2. What comfort does God promise the afflicted? What will happen to oppressors? Is God’s intervention in the affairs of people immediate? – (Ps.9:11-20)
David had been seriously afflicted, and rather than rely on his own resources, he had cried out to God. God is the One Who avenges bloodshed, and none of the martyrs is ever forgotten – For He who requires blood remembers them; He does not forget the cry of the afflicted (Ps.9:12 c.f. Gen.4:10; Heb.11:4; Mt.23:35; Rev.6:9-10). As so often happens – The nations have sunk down in the pit which they have made; In the net which they hid, their own foot has been caught (Ps.9:15). David understood that whatever we sow is what we will reap (c.f. 2 Cor.9:6; Gal.6:7). He had observed that the wicked can prosper in life, and even for a lifetime. However, it is sobering that – The wicked will return to Sheol, even all the nations who forget God (Ps.9:17). Even though the oppressed may suffer for a lifetime, how different will their destiny be – For the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted perish forever (Ps.9:18). David prayed – Put them in fear, O Lord; Let the nations know that they are but men (Ps.9:20). Why did David want God to intervene in his trials? So that he may declare the praises of his God (Ps.9:13-14). Such an attitude is important in our dealings with and expectations of the Lord. He is for us, and we need to be for Him!