Psalm 9:3

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 9:1-10

The title of this psalm gives a very uncertain sound concerning the occasion of penning it. It is upon Muth-labben, which some make to refer to the death of Goliath, others of Nabal, others of Absalom; but I incline to think it signifies only some tone, or some musical instrument, to which this psalm was intended to be sung; and that the enemies David is here triumphing in the defeat of are the Philistines, and the other neighbouring nations that opposed his settlement in the throne, whom he... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 9:3

When mine enemies are turned back ,.... As the Philistines were, when Goliath their champion was dead; and as the men that came to apprehend Christ, David's antitype, went backwards and fell to the ground, through the superior power of Christ; and as sin, Satan, and the world, and at last antichrist, are made to retreat from the Lord's people, who are more than conquerors over them through Christ that has loved them. "They shall fall and perish at thy presence"; they shall stumble at one... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 9:3

When mine enemies are turned back - It is a sure sign of a nearly approaching complete conquest over sin, when, by resistance to its influences, it begins to lose its power. That is the time to follow on to know the Lord. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 9:3

Verse 3 3.While my enemies are turned back. In these words he assigns the reason why he undertakes to sing the praises of God, namely, because he acknowledges that his frequent victories had been achieved, not by his own power, nor by the power of his soldiers, but by the free favor of God. In the first part of the verse he narrates historically how his enemies were discomfited or put to flight; and then he adds, what faith alone could enable him to say, that this did not take place by the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 9:1-6

Thanksgiving. This and the following psalm have been considered one poem, written by the same author. This one is in a continued strain of triumph throughout, and was composed, perhaps, by David at the conclusion of the Syro-Ammonite War, or after one of his victories over the Philistines. I. NATURE OF THE PSALMIST 'S THANKSGIVING . 1 . All his powers of mind and soul took part in it. "With my whole heart." He ascribed his deliverances to God, and not to himself;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 9:1-6

The cause of gratitude. To derive benefit from the study of any ancient writings, we must translate them into our present forms of thought and ways of thinking. David as king sang these hymns to God for the nation and to the nation, and for himself; for he and the people were one. It is difficult for us to realize this, being, as we are, in lower stations and with an intenser feeling of our individuality. I. THE PRELUDE TO THIS SONG . He praises God for his marvellous works ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 9:1-20

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 9:1-20

Praise for the destroyer's destruction. The title of this psalm is obscure. Its archaisms cannot now be satisfactorily explained. And even a reference to the most learned expositors may possibly only increase the confusion. £ The title, indeed, is very suggestive. It reads, "Upon the death of Labben." Walford regards "Muth-labben" as the name of a musical instrument. For this we can find no warrant. The word muth , which is equivalent to "death," seems to put us on a line of thought... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 9:3

When mine enemies are turned back ; or, because mine enemies are turned back ('Speaker's Commentary'); i.e. made to retreat, repulsed, driven before me in hasty flight. They shall fall and perish at thy presence; or, they stumble and perish , etc. The psalmist represents the enemy, poetically, "as if they had been thrown to the ground by the glance of God's fiery countenance" (Hengstenberg). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 9:3

When mine enemies are turned back - Who these enemies were, the psalmist does not say. It is clear, however, as was remarked in the introduction, that the psalm was composed:(a) in view of a victory which had been achieved over some formidable enemies; and(b) in view of some dangers still impending from a similar source.The literal meaning of the passage here is, “In the turning of my enemies back;” that is, in their retreat, defeat, overthrow. So far as the Hebrew form of expression is... read more

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