Psalms 9:9

Consequently ¹  the Lord provides safety for the oppressed; ²  he provides safety in times of trouble. ³ 

De 33:27; Ps 18:2; Ps 20:1; Ps 32:7; Ps 37:39; Ps 46:1; Ps 46:7; Ps 48:3; Ps 50:15; Ps 62:8; Ps 77:1,2; Ps 91:1,2; Ps 108:12; Ps 142:4; Pr 18:10; Isa 4:5,6; Isa 8:14; Isa 32:2; Na 1:7; Lu 13:34; Heb 6:18

¹ tn Following the imperfect in v. 9, the construction vav (ו) conjunctive + shortened form of the prefixed verb הָיָה (hayah) indicates a consequence or result of the preceding statement. The construction functions this same way in Pss 81:15 and 104:20.

² tn Heb “and the Lord is an elevated place for the oppressed.” The singular form דָּךְ (dakh, “oppressed”) is collective here.

³ tn Heb “[he is] an elevated place for times in trouble.” Here an “elevated place” refers to a stronghold, a defensible, secure position that represents a safe haven in times of unrest or distress (cf. NEB “tower of strength”; NIV, NRSV “stronghold”).