Psalms 9:1 - Exposition

I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart ; rather, I will give thanks (Kay, Cheyne, Revised Version). The thanks are special for a great deliverance—a deliverance from some heathen enemy ( Psalms 9:5 , Psalms 9:15 ), who has been signally defeated and almost exterminated ( Psalms 9:5 , Psalms 9:6 ). It has been conjectured that the subjugation of Ammon ( 2 Samuel 12:26-31 ) is the occasion referred to ('Speaker's Commentary'); but the expectation of further attack ( Psalms 9:17-20 ) scarcely suits this period, when David's wars were well-nigh over. Perhaps the earlier victory over Ammon and Syria ( 2 Samuel 10:6-14 ), which was followed by the renewed invasion of the same nations in conjunction with "the Syrians beyond the river" ( 2 Samuel 10:16 ), is more likely to have drawn forth the composition. I will show forth all thy marvellous works; rather, I will tell forth , or I will recount all thy wondrous deeds. Not necessarily miracles, but any strange and unexpected deliverances, such as the recent one (comp. Psalms 40:5 ; Psalms 78:4 ).