“Jesus on the judgment throne will be consternation for His enemies and consolation for His people.” —J. Murray
Psalm 9 will be a shocker on several counts. First, its subject is judgment. Not a-slap-on-the-wrist judgment, but the kind where David says to the Lord, “You have destroyed the wicked; You have blotted out their name forever and ever” (v 5), the kind where “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (v 17). As if that isn’t shocking enough, we then discover that this is actually a song—a song of thanksgiving! When people bring up God’s judgment, we may find ourselves being apologetic. Not David! And, interestingly, not the Bride on her wedding day either (see Rev 19)! But see how he begins. “I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High” (Ps 9:1-2). Notice the four “I will” statements there, followed by the four things God will do (vv 4-5). Yes, judgment is “His strange work” (Isa 28:21, KJV), after every other effort has been made to reclaim the lost. First and foremost, He is known for His “marvelous works.” It is His desire to fill lives with gladness and rejoicing. As we read of Him in the longest psalm, “You are good, and do good” (Ps 119:68). Yet God is also just. What would we think of a God who doesn’t protect His people? Not so, says David, “You have maintained my right and my cause; You sat on the throne judging in righteousness” (9:4). What of the wreckage these evil ones have caused, who “have destroyed cities” (v 6)? Would the Lord not “be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble” (v 9)? Of course He would, “For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You” (v 10). In our next study, we’ll be reminded of the place where love and justice met.