Psalms 9 — The Lord Is a Refuge For the Oppressed
I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart. The Lord shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee. Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion. Have mercy upon me, O Lord. The needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.
“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.”
— Psalm 9:9-10
- v.1-12 Praise for judgment
- v.13-20 Prayer for vindication
Know thy name. Knowledge produces trust. The believer's confidence rises with his acquaintance with God.
Not forsaken them that seek thee. Seeking is rewarded. The God who is sought is the God who is found.
Verse 10 grows trust by growing knowledge. The more you know His name — His character, His promises, His acts — the more you trust. Study Him; the trust will follow.
Christ is the Refuge prepared for the oppressed. His name is the strong tower the chapter promises (Proverbs 18:10).
Refuge for the oppressed. The verse names whose side the throne is on. The mighty fend for themselves; the oppressed have a refuge.
A consolation for the bullied, the marginalized, the powerless. The Lord is their high ground.