The LORD is known by the justice He brings;This phrase emphasizes God's character as just and righteous. Throughout the Bible, God's justice is a central theme, seen in His dealings with nations and individuals. In the Old Testament, God's justice is often demonstrated through His laws given to Israel, which reflect His holy nature (
Deuteronomy 32:4). The justice of God is also a key aspect of His covenant relationship with His people, where He promises to uphold righteousness and punish wickedness. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies God's justice, fulfilling the law and offering salvation through His sacrificial death (
Romans 3:25-26). This phrase reassures believers that God is actively involved in the world, ensuring that justice prevails.
the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.
This part of the verse highlights the principle of retribution, where the wicked face consequences for their actions. The imagery of being "ensnared" suggests a trap or a pitfall, often used in the Psalms to describe the fate of the wicked (Psalm 7:15-16). This reflects the biblical teaching that sin carries its own punishment, as seen inProverbs 5:22, where the wicked are caught in their own iniquities. Historically, this principle is evident in the downfall of nations and individuals who opposed God's will, such as Pharaoh in the Exodus narrative. Theologically, it underscores the moral order established by God, where evil ultimately leads to destruction.
Higgaion Selah
"Higgaion" is a term that appears infrequently in the Psalms and is thought to indicate a meditative or reflective pause, possibly a musical notation. "Selah" is more common, often interpreted as a pause for contemplation or a musical interlude. Together, these terms suggest a moment for the reader or listener to reflect deeply on the preceding truths about God's justice and the fate of the wicked. This pause invites believers to consider the implications of divine justice in their own lives and the world around them, encouraging a response of worship, repentance, or trust in God's righteous governance.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness. In this verse, He is portrayed as a just judge.
2.
The WickedThose who oppose God and His ways, often characterized by their sinful actions and rebellion against divine law.
3.
JusticeThe divine attribute of God that ensures fairness and righteousness, often resulting in the punishment of the wicked and the vindication of the righteous.
4.
The Works of Their HandsRefers to the actions and deeds of the wicked, which ultimately lead to their downfall.
Teaching Points
God's Justice is EvidentGod's justice is not hidden; it is evident in the world as He deals with the wicked according to their deeds. Believers can trust that God will ultimately bring justice.
The Consequences of SinSin has inherent consequences. The wicked often fall into the traps they set for others, illustrating the self-destructive nature of sin.
Trust in Divine JusticeIn a world where injustice seems prevalent, believers are encouraged to trust in God's perfect justice, knowing that He sees all and will act righteously.
Self-Reflection on ActionsThis verse serves as a reminder to examine our own actions and ensure they align with God's will, avoiding the pitfalls of sin.
Encouragement for the RighteousThe righteous can find encouragement in knowing that God is aware of their struggles and will ultimately vindicate them.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 9
If Psalm 119 proclaims that God is just and good, how do critics reconcile that with Old Testament accounts of severe judgments and punishments (Psalm 119)?
How can Psalm 37:9 ('evildoers shall be cut off') be taken seriously when many wicked individuals throughout history have lived long and prosperous lives?
(Psalm 26:9-10) Why would a just God punish the psalmist alongside evildoers if everyone is equally flawed?
Psalm 94:3-4 depicts the wicked flourishing and boasting; how does this align with other biblical claims that God swiftly judges evil?(16)
The Lord.--Better,
Jehovah hath made himself known. He hath executed judgment, snaring the wicked in the work of his own hands.Higgaion. Selah.--Higgaionoccurs three times in the Psalms--here.Psalm 19:14, andPsalm 92:4 (Heb.). In the two latter places it is translated; inPsalm 19:14, "meditation;" inPsalm 92:4, "solemn sound." Both meanings are etymologically possible, but the word apparently, indicates some change in the music, or possibly, as joined withselah,a direction to some particular part of the orchestra.
Verse 16. -
The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth; rather,
the Lord hath made himself known;
he executeth judgment (see the Revised Version; and comp.
Ezekiel 20:9). The two clauses are grammatically distinct, though no doubt closely connected in their meaning. God makes himself known - manifests his character, by the judgments which he executes, shows himself just, perhaps severe, certainly One who "will not at all acquit the wicked" (
Nahum 1:3).
The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Some translate, "he snareth the wicked," or, "by snaring the wicked" - the special way in which God manifests himself (see Kay, p. 31; 'Speaker's Commentary,' vol. 4. p. 190). Higgaion. This word is found in three other places only, viz.
Psalm 19:14;
Psalm 92:3; and
Lamentations 3:61. In the first it is translated "meditation," and has clearly that meaning; in the second it is supposed to mean "a gentle strain:" in the third it seems best rendered by "musing" or "reflection." Here it stands by itself, as a sort of rubrical direction, like the following word, "Selah." Some suppose it a direction to the choir to play a gentle strain of instrumental music as an interlude; others regard it as enjoining upon the congregation a space of quiet "meditation" (see Hengstenberg,
ad loc.; and compare Professor Alexander's work, 'The Psalms translated and explained,' p. 45).
Selah (see the comment on Psalm 3:2).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The LORDיְהוָה֮(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelis knownנ֤וֹדַ֨ע ׀(nō·w·ḏa‘)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3045:To knowby the justiceמִשְׁפָּ֪ט(miš·pāṭ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941:A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, styleHe brings;עָ֫שָׂ֥ה(‘ā·śāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makethe wickedרָשָׁ֑ע(rā·šā‘)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563:Wrong, an, bad personare ensnaredנוֹקֵ֣שׁ(nō·w·qêš)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5367:To knock, strike, hit, strike or bring downby the workבְּפֹ֣עַל(bə·p̄ō·‘al)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6467:Doing, deed, workof their hands.כַּ֭פָּיו(kap·pāw)Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3709:Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a panHiggaionהִגָּי֥וֹן(hig·gā·yō·wn)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1902:A murmuring sound, a musical notation, a machinationSelahסֶֽלָה׃(se·lāh)Interjection
Strong's 5542:Suspension, pause
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OT Poetry: Psalm 9:16 Yahweh has made himself known (Psalm Ps Psa.)