The Judgment is Fair
February 28, 2024
Commentary
The theme of this Psalm is that the judgment of God is fair and just to all. Judgment upon David’s enemies comes from the Lord, and this is true for us as well. The instructions are to sing praises to the Lord and tell the world about his unforgettable deeds (v.11). He cares for the helpless and He does not ignore those who cry to him for help (12). The consideration of God’s judgment prompts the psalmist to plead for mercy. He views his life as being snatched from the gates of death in order that he can praise the Lord in the gates of the city (vv. 13-14). From considering the past and the future David turned to his present need as he prayed for God’s help (vv. 13-20). His motive was that he might praise the Lord and tell others of his salvation. This refers to the city of Jerusalem. Our attitude should be to praise the Lord in everything concerning our life and the city or area where we live.
God sees to it that whatsoever a man sows, that he will also reap. This is a law of the soul as much as it is a law of the soil. When David seduced Bathsheba and murdered Uriah, he sowed with his own hands the seeds that eventually brought him to the very bottom of the pit. He certainly was not thinking about all the sorrow it would bring to him and others.
In the closing verses of this Psalm, it is pointed out that wicked nations are both hindered by God (v. 19) and humbled by God (v. 20). The nations in our day seem to be more arrogant, more resentful, and more aggressive than ever before. David prays that the Lord will cause man to fear in a terrifying judgment. Such a destruction will make the wicked realize that they may be clever and crafty, but man is only man and God is God and in full control.
Application
What I sow today will determine what I reap one day in the future. What am I sowing in this life that will produce fruit for eternity? Many Christians spend all their time on the things of this life and when it is over will have nothing to reap in eternity. Do I need to make any changes at this stage in my life?
Psalms 9:11– 20 (NET)
Verses not found.
Illustration: Donkey Crossing a River With a Load of Salt
A donkey crossing a river with a load of salt lost his footing and slipped into the water, so that the salt was dissolved. He was mightily pleased at finding himself relieved of his burden when he got upon his legs again. So the next time he came to a river with a load on his back, thinking that the same thing would happen if he got into the water, he let himself go under on purpose. But this time he was loaded with sponges, which absorbed so much water that he could not keep his head up and was drowned. (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #474).