Psalms 9:16 - Exposition

The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth ; rather, the Lord hath made himself known ; he executeth judgment (see the Revised Version; and comp. Ezekiel 20:9 ). The two clauses are grammatically distinct, though no doubt closely connected in their meaning. God makes himself known—manifests his character, by the judgments which he executes, shows himself just, perhaps severe, certainly One who "will not at all acquit the wicked" ( Nahum 1:3 ). The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands . Some translate, "he snareth the wicked," or, "by snaring the wicked"—the special way in which God manifests himself. Higgaion. This word is found in three other places only, viz. Psalms 19:14 ; Psalms 92:3 ; and Lamentations 3:61 . In the first it is translated "meditation," and has clearly that meaning; in the second it is supposed to mean "a gentle strain:" in the third it seems best rendered by "musing" or "reflection." Here it stands by itself, as a sort of rubrical direction, like the following word, "Selah." Some suppose it a direction to the choir to play a gentle strain of instrumental music as an interlude; others regard it as enjoining upon the congregation a space of quiet "meditation". Selah (see the comment on Psalms 3:2 ).