Psalms 9:4
For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עָ֭שִׂיתָ
For thou hast maintained
H6213
עָ֭שִׂיתָ
For thou hast maintained
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 8
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מִשְׁפָּטִ֣י
my right
H4941
מִשְׁפָּטִ֣י
my right
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וְדִינִ֑י
and my cause
H1779
וְדִינִ֑י
and my cause
Strong's:
H1779
Word #:
4 of 8
judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife
יָשַׁ֥בְתָּ
thou satest
H3427
יָשַׁ֥בְתָּ
thou satest
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
לְ֝כִסֵּ֗א
in the throne
H3678
לְ֝כִסֵּ֗א
in the throne
Strong's:
H3678
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
Cross References
Psalms 140:12I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.1 Peter 2:23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:Isaiah 11:4But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.Psalms 47:8God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.Psalms 89:14Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.Psalms 16:5The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.Psalms 98:9Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.Psalms 96:13Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings functioned as supreme judges, seated on thrones to hear cases. David transfers this imagery to God as cosmic king-judge. Israel's experience of oppression by unjust earthly judges made them long for God's perfect justice. This theme runs through prophets (Isaiah 9:7) and finds ultimate fulfillment when Christ judges the world in righteousness.
Questions for Reflection
- When earthly justice fails, do you appeal confidently to God as righteous judge?
- How should the reality of God's throne of judgment affect how you pursue justice now?
Analysis & Commentary
God's judicial role is central: He has 'maintained' (Hebrew 'asah' - made, executed) David's right and cause. The imagery of God seated on His throne judging righteously portrays the cosmic courtroom. 'Judging right' (Hebrew 'mishpat tsedeq') combines justice and righteousness. This teaches that all earthly justice derives from God's throne room. When human courts fail, God's court never does. This assures believers that their ultimate vindication comes not from human systems but from the divine Judge.