Psalms 9

In the Russian Psalter (“Orthodox” or “Greek Church”), following the Septuagint, Psa. ix, and x., are united in one. The numbering of the subsequent Psalms is therefore altered, down to the 146th. This ends with ver. 11 of the 147th Psalm in our version, and the Russian 147th begins with ver. 12 of Psa. cxlvii, A.V.

TITLE. Muth-labben. Some take “labben” in this title as an anagram of Nabal, and render it on the death of the foal (see 1 Sam. xxv. 25); others, slightly changing the Hebrew vowels, suppose the former part of the compound word to denote female voices, or soprano; and the latter to mean, “for Ben,” or “[the children of] Ben,” a Levitical singer mentioned in 1 Chron. xv. 18.

6. O thou enemy, etc. Or, “As to the enemy, they are consumed, ruins for ever”: op. R.V. “Thou,” in the second clause, probably means Jahveh (as in ver. 5), to whom David always ascribes his victories.

7 shall endure. Rather, “shall sit,” i.e., as king (see R.V.): op. Heb. i. 3.

14. In the gates of the daughter of Zion. The “daughter” is a metaphorical expression for the inhabitants of a city viewed collectively (“metropolis,” i.e., mother-city). The “gates” were the place of public concourse for the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

I will rejoice, etc. Rather, “That I may rejoice,” etc.

16. Higgaion. The word “Higgaion” may mean meditation, being a direction (stronger than “Selah” alone) to pause, reverently and thoughtfully. But the use of the word in Psa. xcii. 3, with reference to

M the sound of the harp, makes it likely that it was also designed to call for instrumental music whilst the singers paused.

17. The wicked shall be turned into hell. Rather (as R.V.), “The wicked shall return to the underworld” (Sheol). The figure is derived from an army turned back to destruction.