Psalm 9 Meaning Explained

A declarative praise psalm that functions as public testimony. The psalmist recounts past deliverances to fuel present trust, portraying God as a judge who maintains the moral order by blotted-out names and remembered cries. It introduces the ‘never-forsake’ principle for the seeker, contrasting the fate of nations who forget God with the security of those who know His name.

A clear explanation of Psalm 9, its meaning, context, and message for believers today

Psalms Chapter 9 | KJV

1. To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David. I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
2. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
3. When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence.
4. For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right.
5. Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.
6. O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.
7. But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.
8. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.
9. The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
10. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
11. Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.
12. When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.
13. Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:
14. That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.
15. The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.
16. The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.
17. The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
18. For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.
19. Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight.
20. Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.

Historical Context

Psalm 9 is a psalm of thanksgiving and victory, reflecting on God’s justice and the deliverance of the faithful from enemies.