Mazmur 9:4

9:4 For you defended my just cause; ¹ 

from your throne you pronounced a just decision. ² 

Mazmur 9:13

9:13 when they prayed: ³ 

“Have mercy on me, ⁴  Lord!

See how I am oppressed by those who hate me, ⁵ 

O one who can snatch me away ⁶  from the gates of death!

[9:4]  ¹ tn Heb “for you accomplished my justice and my legal claim.”

[9:4]  ² tn Heb “you sat on a throne [as] one who judges [with] righteousness.” The perfect verbal forms in v. 4 probably allude to a recent victory (see vv. 5-7). Another option is to understand the verbs as describing what is typical (“you defend…you sit on a throne”).

[9:13]  ³ tn The words “when they prayed,” though not represented in the Hebrew text, are supplied in the translation for clarification. The petition in vv. 13-14 is best understood as the cry for help which the oppressed offered to God when the nations threatened. The Lord answered this request, prompting the present song of thanksgiving.

[9:13]  ⁴ tn Or “show me favor.”

[9:13]  ⁵ tn Heb “see my misery from the ones who hate me.”

[9:13]  ⁶ tn Heb “one who lifts me up.”