Texts in Conversation
Psalm 9 describes divine judgment on nations that ignore justice for the poor and oppressed. The Hebrew version ends with a harsh plea for God to terrify these nations, with the Greek Septuagint softening this by asking a law or ruler be set over them.
Share:
2500 BCE
1000+ CE
Psalm 9:20
Hebrew Bible
17 The wicked are turned back and sent to Sheol; this is the destiny of all the nations that ignore God, 18 for the needy are not permanently ignored, the hopes of the oppressed are not forever dashed. 19 Rise up, Lord! Don’t let men be defiant. May the nations be judged in your presence. 20 Terrify them, Lord. Let the nations know they are mere mortals. (Selah)
LXX Psalm 9:21
Septuagint
17 The Lord is known as executing judgments: the sinner is taken in the works of his hands. A song of Pause. 18 Let sinners be driven away into Hades, even all the nations that forget God. 19 For the poor shall not be forgotten for ever: the patience of the needy ones shall not perish for ever. 20 Arise, Lord, let not man prevail: let the pagan nations be judged before you. 21 Appoint, Lord, a lawgiver over them: let the pagan nations know that they are men. Pause.
Search:
Notes and References
"... There is a difficulty about the reading. The Septuagint, Vulgate, and Syriac all read “place a lawgiver or master over them.” So the Syriac has “law.” Hitzig conjectures, “set a guard upon them.” With the present reading apparently the rendering should be, put a terror upon them: i.e., “give such a proof of power as to trouble and subdue them.” ..."
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
Your Feedback:
Leave a Comment
Anonymous comments are welcome. All comments are subject to moderation.
User Comments
,