Psalms 9:2-3

9:2 I will be happy and rejoice in you!

I will sing praises to you, O sovereign One! ¹ 

9:3 When my enemies turn back,

they trip and are defeated ²  before you.

[9:2]  ¹ tn Heb “[to] your name, O Most High.” God’s “name” refers metonymically to his divine characteristics as suggested by his name, in this case “Most High.” This divine title (עֶלְיוֹן, ’elyo/) pictures God as the exalted ruler of the universe who vindicates the innocent and judges the wicked. See especially Ps 47:2.

[9:3]  ² tn Or “perish”; or “die.” The imperfect verbal forms in this line either emphasize what typically happens or describe vividly the aftermath of a recent battle in which the Lord defeated the psalmist’s enemies.