Mazmur 9:3

9:3 When my enemies turn back,

they trip and are defeated ¹  before you.

Mazmur 9:7

9:7 But the Lord ²  rules ³  forever;

he reigns in a just manner. ⁴ 

[9:3]  ¹ tn Or “perish”; or “die.” The imperfect verbal forms in this line either emphasize what typically happens or describe vividly the aftermath of a recent battle in which the Lord defeated the psalmist’s enemies.

[9:7]  ² tn The construction vav (ו) + subject highlights the contrast between the exalted Lord and his defeated foes (see v. 6).

[9:7]  ³ tn Heb “sits” (i.e., enthroned, see v. 4). The imperfect verbal form highlights the generalization.

[9:7]  ⁴ tn Heb “he establishes for justice his throne.”