Psalms 9

— upon Git-tith.] Some have supposed this expression to denote, that this Psalm was to be sung to a harp which David brought with him from Gath: others, to a musical instrument used at the time of the vintage. Both may be true: the instrument bearing this name might have been used by the people of Gath; and the Jews might have adopted it from them, and afterwards it might have become the favourite instrument amidst the festivity and dances of the vintage. Street.

Ver. 2. Out of the mouth &c.] Thou art pleased to make choice of the meanest and most humble persons, and even very children in age, to sing hosannas to the Son of David, Matt. xxi. 16, to acknowledge thy power and majesty. And this Thou hast done, that they whose pride makes them resist and despise Thee, may be thus visibly punished; and the power of the devil destroyed. Dr. Hammond.

— Muth-labben.] Some suppose Labben to be the name of a prince or chief in the enemy’s army; and Muth-labben to mean “the death of Labben,” in celebration of which this Psalm may have been composed. Dimock. Or it may be the title of a tune or instrument. S. Clarke.

Ver. 3. When mine enemies &c.] Rather, It was Thou who madest my enemies turn their backs, and through the dread of Thee they fell and were destroyed. Bp. Patrick.

Psalms 9:3

3-6. When I consider &c.] When, on the one hand, I survey the glorious bodies in the heavens, and compare them with man, I am induced to think degradingly of him, and to wonder why he should be the object of thy care. When, on the other hand, I consider the rank of being in which Thou at first placedst man, making him but a little below the angels, I correct myself for having made too degrading a comparison of him, and adore Thee for thy providential care of him at present, and for the dignity to which Thou didst advance him, when Thou madest him the head of the visible creation. Green.

4. — visitest him? With thy presence and protection. Bp. Wilson.

The following prayer is so well adapted to the sentiments contained in this Psalm, that it may be added in the place of practical reflection. O our God, since Thou hast been so mindful of us, never suffer us to be un-

Psalms 9:6

6. O thou enemy, &c.] As for the enemy, they are utterly destroyed; they are become everlasting deso-