The Psalms of David in Metre

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Psalm 9

This psalm was, perhaps, composed on the occasion of hisson Absalom’s death, 2 Sam. 18; or on the occasion of the death of Goliath the champion and duellist of Gath, 1 Sam. 17. We have in it, (1.) David’s hearty thanksgivings to God, for his pleading of his cause against his and his country’s enemies, and for giving him a complete victory over them, ver. 1-6, and his excitement of others to join with him therein, ver. 11-12. (2). His triumph in God as the righteous judge of the world, protector of his people, and the destroyer of his implacable enemies, ver. 7-10, 15-18. (3.) His requests for further grounds of praising God as his own deliverer, and the confounder of his enemies, ver. 13-14, 19-20.

While I sing these subjects, let me chiefly consider the blessings of redemption, the victories of my Redeemer over sin, death, and hell; and 18 believe that I, through him, shall be more than a conqueror. Let the ruin of transgressors effectually admonish me to stand in awe of God, and at the furthest distance from sin.

To the chief Musician upon Muth-labben, A Psalm of David.

1 Lord, thee I’ll praise with all my heart,
thy wonders all proclaim.
2 In thee, most High, I’ll greatly joy,
and sing unto thy name.

3 When back my foes were turned, they fell,
and perished at thy sight:
4 For thou maintain’dst my right and cause;
on throne sat’st judging right.

5 The heathen thou rebuked hast,
the wicked overthrown;
Thou hast put out their names, that they
may never more be known.

6 O en’my! now destructions have
an end perpetual:
Thou cities razed; perished with them
is their memorial.

7 God shall endure for aye; he doth
for judgment set his throne;
8 In righteousness to judge the world,
justice to give each one.

9 God also will a refuge be
for those that are oppressed;
A refuge will he be in times
of trouble to distressed.

10 And they that know thy name, in thee
their confidence will place:
For thou hast not forsaken them
that truly seek thy face.

11 O sing ye praises to the Lord,
that dwells in Zion hill;
And all the nations among
his deeds record ye still.

12 When he enquireth after blood,
he then rememb’reth them:
The humble folk he not forgets
that call upon his name.

13 Lord, pity me; behold the grief
which I from foes sustain;
Ev’n thou, who from the gates of death
dost raise me up again;

14 That I, in Zion’s daughters’ gates,
may all thy praise advance;
And that I may rejoice always
in thy deliverance.

15 The heathen are sunk in the pit
which they themselves prepared;
And in the net which they have hid
their own feet fast are snared.

16 The Lord is by the judgment known
which he himself hath wrought:
The sinners’ hands do make the snares
wherewith themselves are caught.

17 They who are wicked into hell
each one shall turnèd be;
And all the nations that forget
to seek the Lord most high.

18 For they that needy are shall not
forgotten be alway;
The expectation of the poor
shall not be lost for aye.

19 Arise, Lord, let not man prevail;
judge heathen in thy sight:
20 That they may know themselves but men,
the nations, Lord, affright