Psalms 9:16

KJV

The LORD is known [by] the judgment [which] he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} is known {H3045} by the judgment {H4941} which he executeth {H6213}: the wicked {H7563} is snared {H5367} in the work {H6467} of his own hands {H3709}. Higgaion {H1902}. Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI made himself known and executed judgment; the wicked are ensnared in the work of their own hands. (Higgayon; Selah)

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah

American Standard Version

Jehovah hath made himself known, he hath executed judgment: The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. [Higgaion. Selah

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 9:16 profoundly declares that the LORD's character and attributes, particularly His righteousness and sovereignty, are made evident through His acts of judgment in the world. It asserts an immutable principle of divine justice: those who devise evil and oppress others will inevitably become entangled and destroyed by the very schemes and actions they initiated. The verse concludes with ancient musical or liturgical notations, inviting deep reflection on these weighty truths concerning God's active involvement in human affairs and the inescapable consequences of unrighteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 9 is a psalm of thanksgiving attributed to David, celebrating God's righteous judgment and deliverance from enemies. It forms a thematic pair with Psalm 10, often considered a single psalm in some ancient traditions, both dealing with the problem of evil and God's justice. Within Psalm 9, verses [Psalm 9:1-6](/psalms/9-1 "Psalm 9:1-6 - David's Praise for God's Victory") praise God for His past victories over the wicked. Verses [Psalm 9:7-12](/psalms/9-7 "Psalm 9:7-12 - God's Eternal Throne and Righteous Judgment") establish God as the eternal, righteous judge who sits enthroned to execute justice for the oppressed. Verse 16, therefore, serves as a powerful summary statement, reinforcing the certainty and nature of this divine judgment, particularly how it manifests in the self-destruction of the wicked. It anticipates the prayer for God to rise and judge the nations in [Psalm 9:19-20](/psalms/9-19 "Psalm 9:19-20 - Prayer for God's Judgment on Nations").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm reflects the realities of ancient Near Eastern kingship, where the king was responsible for upholding justice and protecting the vulnerable. David, as king, understood this role and frequently appealed to God as the ultimate sovereign and judge. The concept of the wicked being "snared in the work of his own hands" is a common motif in ancient wisdom literature, reflecting a universal understanding of moral cause and effect, often attributed to divine oversight. This idea is not merely poetic but reflects a deeply held belief in a moral order established and maintained by God, where actions have inherent consequences. The terms "Higgaion" and "Selah" are ancient musical or liturgical notations, common in the Psalms, suggesting a pause for meditation or a musical interlude, indicating the profound importance of the preceding statement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core themes of Psalm 9 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice**, asserting that God's very identity is revealed through His righteous acts of judgment. He is not a passive observer but an active participant in human history, ensuring that justice prevails. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Retribution for the Wicked**, demonstrating that evil actions are self-defeating and ultimately lead to the perpetrator's downfall. This is a recurring principle throughout the wisdom literature, as seen in [Proverbs 5:22](/proverbs/5-22 "Proverbs 5:22 - The Wicked Snared by Their Own Iniquity"), where the wicked are "snared by the cords of his own sin." Finally, the verse implicitly speaks to the theme of **God's Sovereignty**, affirming His ultimate control over human affairs and His unyielding commitment to upholding righteousness, even when it appears that the wicked prosper temporarily, as lamented in [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Known (Hebrew, _nikkar'_):** This verb, from the root נָכַר (nakar), means "to be recognized," "to be distinguished," or "to make oneself known." In this context, it signifies that God's character, particularly His justice and righteousness, is not merely a theoretical attribute but is actively demonstrated and revealed through His judgments. It implies a public and undeniable manifestation of who God is.
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpat'_):** This comprehensive term (מִשְׁפָּט) refers to justice, judgment, legal decision, or what is right. It encompasses both the act of judging and the resulting righteous order. Here, it emphasizes God's judicial activity in the world, His administration of justice, and the upholding of His moral law. It is through these acts that His divine nature is made manifest.
* **Snared (Hebrew, _noqesh'_):** This is a passive participle from the verb יָקַשׁ (yaqash), meaning "to lay a snare," "to trap," or "to catch." The passive voice "is snared" emphasizes the inevitability of the outcome for the wicked. Their own actions, like a trap they set for others, ultimately ensnare them. It conveys a sense of poetic justice, where the instrument of their malice becomes the means of their downfall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth":** This opening clause establishes the fundamental truth that God's identity and character are revealed through His actions in the world, specifically His acts of judgment. It's not just that God judges, but that His very nature as a righteous and holy God is put on display through His judicial processes. This highlights God's active involvement in human history, ensuring that justice is not merely an abstract concept but a lived reality. His judgments are not arbitrary but are consistent with His holy character and serve to uphold His moral order.
* **"the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands."** This second clause provides a specific example and consequence of God's judgment. It illustrates the principle of divine retribution, where the evil schemes and oppressive actions of the wicked become the very instruments of their own downfall. Their "work" – their plots, deceptions, violence, and injustice – boomerang back upon them, trapping them in the consequences they intended for others. This speaks to the inherent self-destructive nature of sin and the perfect justice of God, who allows the wicked to fall into the pits they themselves have dug.
* **"Higgaion. Selah."** These terms are often understood as musical or liturgical notations. "Higgaion" (הִגָּיוֹן) suggests a solemn sound, a meditative pause, or a musical interlude, inviting deep reflection on the profound truth just stated. "Selah" (סֶלָה) is generally interpreted as a pause for reflection, a musical interlude, or an emphatic affirmation, underscoring the importance and weight of the preceding words. Together, they call for a moment of contemplation, allowing the worshiper to fully absorb the weighty reality of God's perfect justice and the inescapable consequences for the wicked.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 9:16 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of synthetic or consequential parallelism, where the second clause elaborates on the first. God's being "known by the judgment which he executeth" is concretely illustrated by the fact that "the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands." This connection shows *how* God's judgment is executed and revealed. A powerful **Metaphor** is used in "snared in the work of his own hands," depicting the wicked as an animal caught in a trap. This vivid imagery conveys the inescapable and often self-inflicted nature of their demise, where their own machinations become their undoing. The phrase also suggests **Poetic Justice**, a literary concept where the punishment perfectly fits the crime, often mirroring the nature of the offense. Finally, the inclusion of "Higgaion" and "Selah" functions as a **Rhetorical Marker**, drawing attention to the solemnity and profundity of the verse's message, urging the reader or listener to pause, meditate, and internalize its truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 9:16 offers a profound theological statement about the character of God and the moral order of the universe. It asserts God's active involvement in human affairs as a righteous Judge, whose very identity is revealed through His execution of justice. This is not a passive or distant deity, but one who intervenes to uphold righteousness and ensure accountability. The verse underscores the biblical principle of divine retribution, where evil actions carry inherent consequences, often leading to the self-destruction of the perpetrator. This concept is deeply woven into the fabric of Scripture, affirming God's unwavering commitment to justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all creation. It provides comfort to the oppressed and a stark warning to those who would defy God's moral law.

* [Psalm 7:15-16](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15-16 - The Wicked Fall Into Their Own Pit")
* [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - He Who Digs a Pit Will Fall Into It")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - You Reap What You Sow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 9:16 serves as both a profound comfort and a sobering warning. For those who feel overwhelmed by injustice or who witness the apparent prosperity of the wicked, this verse offers immense assurance that God is indeed on His throne, actively engaged in upholding righteousness. His judgments, though sometimes delayed from a human perspective, are certain and perfectly executed. This truth calls believers to patience and steadfast trust in God's sovereign plan, reminding us that He "will judge the world in righteousness" ([Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World Righteously")). It empowers us to pray for justice, knowing that our God is a God who acts. Conversely, for anyone tempted to walk in the paths of unrighteousness, the verse issues a powerful caution: sin carries its own inherent penalty, and the very schemes designed to harm others will ultimately ensnare the perpetrator. It encourages a life lived in integrity and righteousness, recognizing that alignment with God's character leads to life, while rebellion leads to self-destruction and divine judgment. We are called to live in light of this ultimate accountability, seeking to embody the justice and mercy of God in our own lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that "the LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth" shape your understanding of God's character and His active involvement in the world today?**
* **In what ways have you observed the principle of "the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands" playing out in history or in personal experience?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to trust God's justice, even when it seems that evil is prevailing?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live a life that aligns with God's righteous standards, avoiding the "snare" of unrighteousness?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Higgaion. Selah." at the end of the verse?**

Answer: "Higgaion" (הִגָּיוֹן, _higgayon_) and "Selah" (סֶלָה, _selah_) are ancient musical or liturgical notations found frequently in the Psalms. While their precise meaning is debated, common interpretations suggest they indicate a pause for reflection, a musical interlude, or an emphatic affirmation. "Higgaion" might imply a solemn sound or a call to meditate deeply on the preceding words, while "Selah" is often understood as a command to "lift up" (perhaps voices or instruments) or simply to pause and consider the weight of the truth just stated. In Psalm 9:16, these terms serve to underscore the profound importance of God's revealed justice and the inevitable self-destruction of the wicked, inviting the reader or worshiper to absorb these truths with solemn contemplation. They ensure that the message of divine judgment and retribution is not merely read but deeply pondered.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 9:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament reveals God's justice through His judgments on nations and individuals, Christ embodies and perfectly executes this divine attribute. He is the righteous Judge, the one through whom God "will judge the world in righteousness" ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Will Judge the World Through Jesus")). The cross of Christ stands as the supreme demonstration of God's judgment, where the full weight of sin's penalty was poured out, yet simultaneously, it reveals God's profound mercy and love, making a way for reconciliation. In Christ, the principle that "the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands" is powerfully illustrated. Those who reject Him and persist in their rebellion are ultimately snared by their own unbelief and deeds, facing the righteous judgment that their actions warrant ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Those Who Do Not Believe Are Condemned Already")). Conversely, for those who trust in Christ, His perfect life and atoning sacrifice mean that the judgment they deserved has been borne by Him, allowing them to stand righteous before God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, Psalm 9:16 points forward to the coming of the Messiah, who perfectly reveals God's justice and offers the only escape from the snare of sin and its consequences.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.