Psalms 9:19

Authorized King James Version

Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight.

Word-by-Word Analysis

קוּמָ֣ה

H6965

Arise

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

יְ֭הוָה

H3068

O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יָעֹ֣ז

H5810

prevail

to be stout (literally or figuratively)

אֱנ֑וֹשׁ

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יִשָּׁפְט֥וּ

H8199

be judged

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

ג֝וֹיִ֗ם

H1471

let the heathen

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פָּנֶֽיךָ׃

H6440

in thy sight

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?