Psalm 9:13
Be merciful to me, O LORD; see how my enemies afflict me! Lift me up from the gates of death,
Be merciful to me, O LORD
The phrase "Be merciful" is derived from the Hebrew word "חָנַן" (chanan), which conveys a deep sense of grace and favor. In the context of the Psalms, this plea for mercy is a recurring theme, reflecting the psalmist's awareness of human frailty and the need for divine compassion. The invocation of "O LORD" uses the sacred name "Yahweh," emphasizing a personal relationship with God. This appeal is not just for relief from suffering but a request for God's loving-kindness, which is a central tenet of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

see how my enemies afflict me!
The word "see" in Hebrew is "רָאָה" (ra'ah), which implies not just physical sight but a deep understanding and acknowledgment. The psalmist is asking God to perceive the depth of his suffering. "My enemies" refers to those who oppose the psalmist, often representing broader spiritual or moral adversaries. The term "afflict" comes from "עָנָה" (anah), meaning to oppress or humble. This highlights the intensity of the psalmist's distress and his reliance on God to recognize and respond to his plight. Historically, this reflects the constant threats faced by Israel from surrounding nations, and spiritually, it symbolizes the believer's struggle against sin and evil.

Lift me up from the gates of death
The phrase "Lift me up" is translated from "רוּם" (rum), which means to raise or exalt. This is a plea for deliverance and restoration, a common motif in the Psalms where the psalmist seeks elevation from a state of despair. "The gates of death" is a metaphorical expression, "שַׁעַר מָוֶת" (sha'ar mavet), representing the brink of death or the realm of the dead. In ancient Near Eastern culture, gates were seen as places of transition and judgment. Thus, the psalmist is asking for rescue from imminent danger or death, trusting in God's power to save. This reflects the Christian hope in resurrection and eternal life, where God ultimately delivers His people from the finality of death through Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of the psalm, who is crying out to God for mercy and deliverance from his enemies.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, to whom David directs his plea for mercy and deliverance.

3. Enemies
Those who afflict David, representing opposition and adversity in his life.

4. Gates of Death
A metaphorical expression indicating a place of extreme danger or near-death experience.

5. Mercy
A central theme in this verse, highlighting God's compassion and willingness to deliver His people.
Teaching Points
God's Mercy is Available
God's mercy is a recurring theme in Scripture, and it is available to those who earnestly seek Him. David's plea reminds us that we can approach God with confidence, knowing He is compassionate.

Cry Out in Times of Trouble
Like David, we should not hesitate to cry out to God when faced with adversity. Our relationship with God allows us to bring our deepest fears and struggles to Him.

Recognize the Reality of Spiritual Battles
The "enemies" David refers to can be seen as both physical and spiritual. We must be aware of the spiritual battles we face and rely on God's strength for victory.

Trust in God's Deliverance
The phrase "lift me up from the gates of death" signifies trust in God's ability to rescue us from even the most perilous situations. We should cultivate a faith that trusts in God's deliverance.

Reflect on God's Past Faithfulness
Remembering how God has delivered us in the past can strengthen our faith and encourage us to trust Him in present and future challenges.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the original Hebrew word for "mercy" (chanan) deepen our appreciation of God's character in this verse?

2. In what ways can we identify with David's plea for deliverance in our own lives today?

3. How do the "gates of death" metaphorically apply to situations we face, and how can we seek God's help in those times?

4. What other biblical examples of God's deliverance can we draw upon to strengthen our faith in His ability to rescue us?

5. How can we cultivate a heart that consistently cries out to God in both times of trouble and peace?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 86:13
This verse also speaks of deliverance from the depths of Sheol, emphasizing God's power to save from dire circumstances.

Lamentations 3:55-57
The writer calls upon the Lord from the depths, and God responds, illustrating His attentiveness to cries for help.

2 Samuel 22:5-7
David recounts how he called upon the Lord in distress, and God heard his voice, showing a pattern of divine rescue.

Jonah 2:2
Jonah's prayer from the belly of the fish echoes the theme of calling out to God from a place of near-death.
A Praiseful HeartPsalm 9:1-20
Praise for the Destroyer's DestructionC. Clemance Psalm 9:1-20
Praise, Trust, and PrayerF. B. Meyer, B. A.Psalm 9:1-20
The Ministry of PraiseJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Psalm 9:1-20
The Gates of Death and The Gates of ZionW. Forsyth Psalm 9:13, 14
A Note of Trouble in a Triumph PsalmA. Maclaren, D. D.Psalm 9:13-20
Prayer to GodC. Short Psalm 9:13-20
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Affliction, Behold, Consider, Death, Doors, Enemies, Favour, Gates, Gracious, Hands, Hate, Haters, Hating, Lift, Lifted, Liftest, Lifting, Mercy, O, Persecute, Suffer, Trouble, Troubled
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 9:13

     8306   mercifulness
     9022   death, believers

Psalm 9:13-14

     5323   gate

Library
Dilemma and Deliverance
Now, this morning, in addressing you, I shall divide my text into three parts. First, I shall note a certain fiery dart of Satan; secondly, I shall point out to you heaven's divine buckler, as hinted at in the text--"Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee;" and then, in the third place, I shall notice man's precious privilege of seeking God, and so of arming himself against Satan. I. First, then, I am to dwell for a little time upon A CERTAIN FIERY DART OF SATAN WHICH IS CONSTANTLY SHOT
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860

Joy in Salvation
"I will rejoice in thy salvation."--Psalm 9:4. I DESIRE to continue the topic of the morning, only we will look at another side of the same important matter. We spoke this morning, as you have not forgotten, upon these words, "Your own salvation." I trust most of us--would God I could hope all of us--were earnest about our own personal salvation. To those who are earnest this second text will be the complement of the first. They desire that their own salvation shall be secure; it is their own salvation
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

Cry we Therefore with the Spirit of Charity...
26. Cry we therefore with the spirit of charity, and until we come to the inheritance in which we are alway to remain, let us be, through love which becometh the free-born, not through fear which becometh bondmen, patient of suffering. Cry we, so long as we are poor, until we be with that inheritance made rich. Seeing how great earnest thereof we have received, in that Christ to make us rich made Himself poor; Who being exalted unto the riches which are above, there was sent One Who should breathe
St. Augustine—On Patience

A Few Sighs from Hell;
or, The Groans of the Damned Soul: or, An Exposition of those Words in the Sixteenth of Luke, Concerning the Rich Man and the Beggar WHEREIN IS DISCOVERED THE LAMENTABLE STATE OF THE DAMNED; THEIR CRIES, THEIR DESIRES IN THEIR DISTRESSES, WITH THE DETERMINATION OF GOD UPON THEM. A GOOD WARNING WORD TO SINNERS, BOTH OLD AND YOUNG, TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BETIMES, AND TO SEEK, BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, TO AVOID, LEST THEY COME INTO THE SAME PLACE OF TORMENT. Also, a Brief Discourse touching the
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

But Concerning True Patience, Worthy of the Name of this virtue...
12. But concerning true patience, worthy of the name of this virtue, whence it is to be had, must now be inquired. For there are some [2650] who attribute it to the strength of the human will, not which it hath by Divine assistance, but which it hath of free-will. Now this error is a proud one: for it is the error of them which abound, of whom it is said in the Psalm, "A scornful reproof to them which abound, and a despising to the proud." [2651] It is not therefore that "patience of the poor" which
St. Augustine—On Patience

Jesus, My Rock.
When the storm and the tempest are raging around me, Oh! where shall I flee to be safe from their shock? There are walls which no mortal hands built to surround me, A Refuge Eternal,--'Tis JESUS MY ROCK! When my heart is all sorrow, and trials aggrieve me, To whom can I safely my secrets unlock? No bosom (save one) has the power to relieve me, The bosom which bled for me, JESUS MY ROCK! When Life's gloomy curtain, at last, shall close o'er me, And the chill hand of death unexpectedly knock, I will
John Ross Macduff—The Cities of Refuge: or, The Name of Jesus

"Because of his Importunity. "
"Nov. 19 [1846].--I am now led more and more to importune the Lord to send me the means, which are requisite in order that I may be able to commence the building. Because (1) it has been for some time past publicly stated in print, that I allow it is not without ground that some of the inhabitants of Wilson Street consider themselves inconvenienced by the Orphan-Houses being in that street, and I long therefore to be able to remove the Orphans from thence as soon as possible. (2) I become more and
George Müller—Answers to Prayer

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China.
"Sept. 30 [1869].--From Yorkshire L50.--Received also One Thousand Pounds to-day for the Lord's work in China. About this donation it is especially to be noticed, that for months it had been my earnest desire to do more than ever for Mission Work in China, and I had already taken steps to carry out this desire, when this donation of One Thousand Pounds came to hand. This precious answer to prayer for means should be a particular encouragement to all who are engaged in the Lord's work, and who may
George Müller—Answers to Prayer

Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
St. Hilary of Poitiers is one of the greatest, yet least studied, of the Fathers of the Western Church. He has suffered thus, partly from a certain obscurity in his style of writing, partly from the difficulty of the thoughts which he attempted to convey. But there are other reasons for the comparative neglect into which he has fallen. He learnt his theology, as we shall see, from Eastern authorities, and was not content to carry on and develop the traditional teaching of the West; and the disciple
St. Hilary of Poitiers—The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers

Trials of the Christian
AFFLICTION--ITS NATURE AND BENEFITS. The school of the cross is the school of light; it discovers the world's vanity, baseness, and wickedness, and lets us see more of God's mind. Out of dark afflictions comes a spiritual light. In times of affliction, we commonly meet with the sweetest experiences of the love of God. The end of affliction is the discovery of sin; and of that, to bring us to a Saviour. Doth not God ofttimes even take occasion, by the hardest of things that come upon us, to visit
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful
Luke 10:42 -- "But one thing is needful." It was the amiable character of our blessed Redeemer, that "he went about doing good," this great motive, which animated all his actions, brought him to the house of his friend Lazarus, at Bethany, and directed his behavior there. Though it was a season of recess from public labor, our Lord brought the sentiments and the pious cares of a preacher of righteousness into the parlor of a friend; and there his doctrine dropped as the rain, and distilled as the
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular,
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

A Preliminary Discourse to Catechising
'If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled.' - Col 1:23. Intending next Lord's day to enter upon the work of catechising, it will not be amiss to give you a preliminary discourse, to show you how needful it is for Christians to be well instructed in the grounds of religion. If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled.' I. It is the duty of Christians to be settled in the doctrine of faith. II. The best way for Christians to be settled is to be well grounded. I. It is the duty of Christians
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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