Psalm 9
Praise in the Midst of God's Righteous Judgment
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Intro
Psalm 9 is a psalm of David, expressing praise and thanksgiving to God for His righteous judgment and deliverance. As we study this psalm from a New Covenant perspective, we will see how it points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of salvation and the manifestation of God's righteous rule. We will explore the themes of praise and thanksgiving, the assurance of God's justice, and the hope of the oppressed.
Section 1: Praise and Thanksgiving for God's Righteous Judgment (vs 1-6)
"I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will recount all Your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. When my enemies retreat, they stumble and perish before You. For You have upheld my just cause; You sit on Your throne, judging righteously. You have rebuked the nations; You have destroyed the wicked; You have erased their name forever and ever. The enemy has come to eternal ruin; You have uprooted their cities; even the memory of them has perished."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's commitment to giving thanks and recounting God's wonders with a wholehearted praise.
The joy and gladness found in God's presence and the expression of praise to His name.
The acknowledgment of God's righteous judgment and His victory over the enemies and wickedness.
Harmony: Revelation 19:1-2, "After this I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude in heaven, shouting: 'Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God! For His judgments are true and just. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the blood of His servants that was poured out by her hand.'"
Questions:
How does the psalmist's posture of praise and thanksgiving inspire you to offer wholehearted worship to God in all circumstances?
In what ways can we find joy and gladness in God's presence and sing His praises even in the midst of trials and opposition?
How does Jesus, as the ultimate manifestation of God's righteous judgment, bring us hope and assurance that justice will be served?
Section 2: The Assurance of God's Justice and Protection (vs 7-12)
"The LORD reigns forever; He has established His throne for judgment. He judges the world with righteousness; He executes judgment on the nations with fairness. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You. Sing praises to the LORD, who dwells in Zion; proclaim His deeds among the nations. For He who avenges blood remembers; He does not ignore the cry of the afflicted."
Talking Points:
The declaration of God's eternal reign and His establishment of the throne for righteous judgment.
The assurance of God's protection and refuge for the oppressed and those facing trouble.
The trustworthiness of God and the promise that He never forsakes those who seek Him.
Harmony: Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's proclamation of God's justice and protection bring you comfort and assurance in challenging times?
In what ways can we actively seek refuge in God and trust in His faithfulness when facing oppression and trouble?
How does Jesus, as our ultimate refuge and stronghold, demonstrate God's unfailing presence and protection for His people?
Section 3: Hope for the Oppressed and the Call for Justice (vs 13-20)
"Be merciful to me, O LORD; see how my enemies afflict me! You alone can lift me up from the gates of death, that I may declare all Your praises, that within the gates of Daughter Zion I may rejoice in Your salvation. The nations have fallen into a pit of their making; their foot is snared in the net they have hidden. The LORD has revealed Himself; He has executed justice, striking down the wicked by the work of their hands. The wicked will return to Sheol— all the nations that forget God. For the needy will not always be forgotten; nor the hope of the afflicted forever perish. Arise, O LORD, let not man prevail; let the nations be judged in Your presence. Strike them with terror, O LORD; let the nations know they are but men. Selah"
Talking Points:
The plea for God's mercy and deliverance from the affliction caused by enemies.
The acknowledgment of God as the ultimate source of salvation and the desire to declare His praises.
The assurance that God will execute justice, bringing down the wicked and preserving the hope of the afflicted.
Harmony: Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's cry for mercy and deliverance resonate with your own experiences of facing opposition and affliction?
In what ways can we declare God's praises and find joy in His salvation, even in the midst of challenging circumstances?
How does Jesus, as the embodiment of God's justice and mercy, bring hope to the oppressed and assure us that righteousness will prevail?
Summary
Psalm 9, viewed through the lens of the New Covenant in Christ, celebrates the righteousness and justice of God, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.
The psalmist's proclamation of praise and thanksgiving to God for His wondrous deeds reflects our own gratitude for the redemptive work accomplished through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection (Ephesians 1:7-10).
The psalmist's acknowledgement of God as a stronghold for the oppressed and a refuge in times of trouble prefigures Jesus, who offers comfort and rest to all who come to Him (Matthew 11:28-30).
The psalmist's declaration of God's righteous judgment and establishment of justice resonates with Jesus' role as the righteous Judge who will bring final justice and righteousness to the world (Acts 17:31).
The psalmist's affirmation that the Lord does not forget the cry of the afflicted points to Jesus' compassion and care for the marginalized and oppressed (Matthew 25:40).
The psalmist's invitation to sing praises to the Lord and proclaim His deeds foreshadows our own proclamation of the good news of Jesus' salvation and the mighty works He has done (Acts 4:20).
Thus, Psalm 9 celebrates the righteousness, justice, and compassion of God, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our Savior and righteous Judge.