Psalms 9:20

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 9:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Put them in fear, O Jehovah: Let the nations know themselves to be but men. Selah Psalm 10” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Put them in fear, O Jehovah: Let the nations know themselves to be but men. Selah Psalm 10
Psalms 9:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20Put them in fear, O Jehovah: Let the nations know themselves to be but men. Selah Psalm 10

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Blessed [be] God, which hath not turned away my prayer, etc.] Has not been angry against it, shut it out, or covered himself with a cloud that it might not pass through, which sometimes saints have complained of, (<198004>Psalm 80:4 <250308>Lamentations 3:8,44); but graciously heard and received it; nor his mercy from me; for that endures for ever, and is from everlasting to everlasting on them that fear the Lord, (<19A317>Psalm 103:17); all which require thankfulness and praise, which is here given.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“By their effectual subjection, make them to realize their frail nature (Psa 8:4), and deter them from all conceit and future rebellion. Next: Psalms Chapter 10”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Put them in fear, O Lord - From this it is evident that the enemies of the psalmist were bold, daring, confident in their own strength, and in the belief that they would succeed. He prays, therefore, that these bold and daring invaders of the rights of others might be made to stand in awe, and to tremble before the great and terrible majesty of God; that they might thus have just views of themselves, and see how weak and feeble they were as compared with Him. That the nations may know - The nations particularly referred to in this psalm as arrayed against the writer. Themselves to be but men - That they may see themselves as they are - poor, feeble creatures; as nothing when compared with…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Put: Psa 76:12; Exo 15:16, Exo 23:27; Deu 2:25; Jer 32:40; Eze 30:13 may: Psa 82:6, Psa 82:7; Isa 31:3; Eze 28:2, Eze 28:9; Act 12:22, Act 12:23 Next: Psalms Chapter 10”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification