Psalms 9 Footnotes

Pss 9–10 These two psalms are evidently one psalm because they follow the acrostic arrangement in Hebrew; each verse or section begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in alphabetical order. In the Greek OT they are one psalm. The superscription “according to Muth-labben” may refer to a song “The Death of a Son” that supplied the tune or pattern used to perform this psalm. This notation reveals the existence of “popular” musical compositions in ancient Israel and Judah that were adapted for more exalted use in worship.

9:10 To say that the Lord has not abandoned those who seek him calls for some clarification. The verse does not say that those who seek him always get what they want. In fact, David could speak as if God had forsaken him when his prayers were not being answered (22:1). But even when God delays in answering prayers, or does not answer, he is still dealing faithfully with his people for their ultimate well-being (e.g., Is 38:17). If God always answered prayer automatically, his worshipers would experience little development of their faith (Rm 8:24-28).

9:14 Zion is the mountain on which the city of Jerusalem is built; accordingly, Jerusalem is frequently called the daughter of Zion (Is 1:8; 10:32). Sometimes the phrase refers to the people in the city of Jerusalem (Mic 4:8). The gates at the entrance of the city were places where business and legal transactions took place. The gates were always crowded, and were therefore ideal places to testify to the Lord’s deliverance. However, “within the gates” could also refer to festival gatherings at the Jerusalem sanctuary (Ps 122:1-2).