Psalms

Psalms 9: The Judge remembers the afflicted

Begin in prayer

Before we sing of God's throne, let us remember those whose cries are ignored. Ask the everlasting King to teach us His justice and bring us to seek mercy in Jesus.

But I will leave among you an afflicted and poor people, and they will take refuge in Yahweh’s name.

Zephaniah 3:12

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word, and help us to see Christ. Show us that the LORD remembers suffering and gives righteous judgment. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

David thanks the LORD with his whole heart because God has upheld his just cause against his enemies. The nations have been rebuked, while the LORD remains on His throne forever. His righteous judgment makes Him a stronghold for the oppressed and gives those who know His name reason to trust. David asks for mercy so he can praise God in Zion after being lifted from the gates of death. The nations fall into their own traps, and the song asks God to judge them and teach them that they are only men.

As you read Psalms 9, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD reigns forever, judges righteously, and remembers the cry of the afflicted.

David remembers the LORD's past judgments because the same Judge still reigns. Cities and their enemies can lose even their memory, while God's throne endures. A high tower gives shelter above an attack, picturing God's care for oppressed people. His memory reaches the afflicted whose cry others ignore, including those harmed by bloodshed. David's request to leave death's gates and praise in Zion's gates asks for life with a purpose. He wants to declare the salvation of the God who has rescued him. The warning reaches all the nations that forget God, whose end is Sheol, the realm of the dead. The needy must wait, yet their hope will not perish forever under this everlasting King.

How does Psalm 9 show us that the LORD reigns forever, judges righteously, and remembers the cry of the afflicted?

The LORD's throne stands forever for righteous judgment.

David's enemies turn back before God's presence, and God upholds his just cause. Human power cannot preserve a name against the LORD's verdict. The throne remains when the cities that opposed Him are gone.

The LORD remembers the afflicted and hears their cry.

The high tower pictures protection for those who are oppressed. Knowing God's name means knowing the faithful character that gives reason to trust Him. He remembers innocent blood and never treats the sufferer's cry as beneath His notice.

God humbles nations that forget Him.

The nations find themselves caught in the pits and nets they prepared. Their schemes cannot lift them above God's judgment. David asks the LORD to make them know their limits as human beings.

Memorise

Yahweh will also be a high tower for the oppressed; a high tower in times of trouble.

Psalm 9:9

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what trouble do I need to bring to Jesus, who never forgets the afflicted?

David says of the LORD, “He doesn’t forget the cry of the afflicted.” The righteous Judge remembers what cruel people hope will disappear. His throne is a stronghold for the oppressed and a warning to all who forget Him.

We need mercy before that throne, because we too have sinned against God and our neighbours. Jesus suffered the judgment for His people at the cross and rose again in victory. His saving work is finished and is enough to bring every believer into God's favour.

Come to Him in repentance and faith. Turn from the sins you have hidden or excused, and rely on Jesus for forgiveness. The Judge has provided a Savior, and those who seek pardon in Him receive it. Trust His care when powerful voices ignore suffering, and ask Him to teach you to hear the afflicted.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the LORD remembers suffering and gives righteous judgment. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that He reigns forever and remembers the afflicted. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Now is the judgment of this world. Now the prince of this world will be cast out.

John 12:31

Everlasting King, thank You that no cry of suffering is lost before You. Please bring us to repent of our sin and trust Jesus for mercy. Defend those who are oppressed, and humble those who forget You. Give us ears to hear and hands ready to help this week. Amen.