The Judgment is Fair
August 6, 2021
Commentary
The theme of this Psalm is that the judgment of God is fair and just to all. Judgment upon David’s enemies comes from the Lord, and this is true for us as well. The instructions are to sing praises to the Lord and tell the world about his unforgettable deeds (v.11). He cares for the helpless and He does not ignore those who cry to him for help (12). The consideration of God’s judgment prompts the psalmist to plead for mercy. He views his life as being snatched from the gates of death in order that he can praise the Lord in the gates of the city (vv. 13-14). From considering the past and the future David turned to his present need as he prayed for God’s help (vv. 13-20). His motive was that he might praise the Lord and tell others of his salvation. This refers to the city of Jerusalem. Our attitude should be to praise the Lord in everything concerning our life and the city or area where we live.
God sees to it that whatsoever a man sows, that he will also reap. This is a law of the soul as much as it is a law of the soil. When David seduced Bathsheba and murdered Uriah, he sowed with his own hands the seeds that eventually brought him to the very bottom of the pit. He certainly was not thinking about all the sorrow it would bring to him and others.
In the closing verses of this Psalm, it is pointed out that wicked nations are both hindered by God (v. 19) and humbled by God (v. 20). The nations in our day seem to be more arrogant, more resentful, and more aggressive than ever before. David prays that the Lord will cause man to fear in a terrifying judgment. Such a destruction will make the wicked realize that they may be clever and crafty, but man is only man and God is God and in full control.
Application
What I sow today will determine what I reap one day in the future. What am I sowing in this life that will produce fruit for eternity? Many Christians spend all their time on the things of this life and when it is over will have nothing to reap in eternity. Do I need to make any changes at this stage in my life?
Psalms 9:11– 20 (NET)
11 Sing praises to the Lord, who rules in Zion. Tell the nations what he has done.
12 For the one who takes revenge against murderers took notice of the oppressed; he did not overlook their cry for help
13 when they prayed: “Have mercy on me, Lord! See how I am oppressed by those who hate me, O one who can snatch me away from the gates of death!
14 Then I will tell about all your praiseworthy acts; in the gates of Daughter Zion I will rejoice because of your deliverance.”
15 The nations fell into the pit they had made; their feet were caught in the net they had hidden.
16 The Lord revealed himself; he accomplished justice. The wicked were ensnared by their own actions. (Higgaion. Selah)
17 The wicked are turned back and sent to Sheol; this is the destiny of all the nations that ignore God,
18 for the needy are not permanently ignored, the hopes of the oppressed are not forever dashed.
19 Rise up, Lord! Don’t let men be defiant. May the nations be judged in your presence.
20 Terrify them, Lord. Let the nations know they are mere mortals. (Selah)