Psalm 9:8

8 and he ¹judges the world with righteousness; he ²judges the peoples with uprightness.

Psalm 9:8 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 9:8

And he shall judge the world in righteousness
The word (lbt) , rendered "world", is, as Ben Melech well observes, a general name for all the countries of the habitable world; and so shows that it is the universal judgment that is here spoken of; and which will be carried on and finished with the utmost righteousness, and according to the strictest rules of justice and equity; and is therefore called the righteous judgment of God, ( Romans 2:5 ) ; see ( Psalms 96:13 ) ( 98:9 ) ( Acts 17:31 ) ;

he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness;
which signifies the same with the former clause, unless by the "world" there, should be meant the wicked of the world; and by the "people" here, the people of God; to whom the righteous Judge will give the crown of righteousness.

Psalm 9:8 In-Context

6 The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins; their cities you rooted out; the very memory of them has perished.

7 But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice,

8 and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.

9 The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Cross References

• 1. 9:8 Ps. 58:11; 96:13; 98:9
• 2. 9:8 Ps. 96:10