Psalms 9:16

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalm 9:16 reveals profound truths about God's character and the ultimate fate of those who oppose Him. It highlights divine justice as a core attribute of the Almighty, showing how God's righteousness is demonstrated through His actions in the world.

Context of Psalm 9:16

Psalm 9 is a psalm of thanksgiving by King David, expressing gratitude for God's deliverance from his enemies and His righteous judgment. Throughout the psalm, David contrasts the fate of the righteous (who trust in God) with that of the wicked. This specific verse serves as a powerful summary of God's judicial process, reinforcing the idea that divine justice is both inevitable and perfectly executed. It follows earlier declarations of God sitting on His throne to judge righteously (Psalm 9:4).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice Revealed: The verse states, "The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth." This emphasizes that God's very nature and sovereignty are made evident through His acts of judgment. It’s not merely that God judges, but that His identity as a righteous and holy God is revealed through these judgments. This speaks to God's active involvement in human affairs, ensuring that justice prevails.
  • Retribution for the Wicked: The second part, "the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands," articulates a fundamental principle of biblical justice: the consequences of evil often boomerang back on the perpetrator. Their own schemes, deceptions, and oppressive actions become the very trap that ensnares them. This concept is echoed throughout Scripture, affirming that sin carries its own inherent penalty and often leads to self-destruction.

Linguistic Insights: Higgaion. Selah.

The terms "Higgaion" and "Selah" appear at the end of this verse, as they do in several other Psalms. While their precise musical or liturgical meaning is debated, common interpretations include:

  • Higgaion: (Hebrew: higgayon) Often suggests a meditative pause, a solemn sound, or a musical interlude designed to emphasize the preceding words. It calls for reflection on the profound truth just stated.
  • Selah: (Hebrew: selah) Is usually understood as a pause for reflection, a musical interlude, or an emphatic affirmation. It serves to underscore the importance of the preceding statement, encouraging the reader or worshiper to ponder its significance deeply. In this context, both terms invite a moment to absorb the weighty truth of God's perfect justice and the inescapable consequences for the wicked.

Practical Application

For believers, Psalm 9:16 offers immense comfort and assurance. It reinforces the truth that God is in control and that His justice will ultimately prevail, even when it appears that the wicked prosper. This provides a basis for trust and patience, knowing that God "will judge the world in righteousness" (Psalm 9:8). For those who might be tempted toward wickedness, the verse serves as a powerful warning: the paths of unrighteousness inevitably lead to self-inflicted harm and divine judgment. It encourages a life lived in accordance with God's righteous standards, recognizing that His character is revealed not only in mercy but also in just judgment.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 7:5 (6 votes)

    And the Egyptians shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.

  • Exodus 14:4 (3 votes)

    And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I [am] the LORD. And they did so.

  • Proverbs 12:13 (3 votes)

    ¶ The wicked is snared by the transgression of [his] lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

  • Joshua 2:10 (3 votes)

    For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that [were] on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.

  • Joshua 2:11 (3 votes)

    And as soon as we had heard [these things], our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he [is] God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

  • Isaiah 8:15 (3 votes)

    And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.

  • Judges 1:7 (3 votes)

    And Adonibezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered [their meat] under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.