The Acrostic Psalms 9 &10

 Introduction

In The Companion Bible, E. W. Bullinger asserts that Psalms 9 and 10 are linked together by

an irregular acrostic. This small study attempts to make some sense out of that acrostic.Further research online has come up with nothing significant to add.

From Appendix 63, VII., i.

Psalms 9 and 10 are linked together by an Acrostic which, like “the times of trouble” (the greattribulation), of which the two Psalms treat, is purposely broken, and is irregular and out of joint.This Acrostic tells us that the subject of the two Psalms is one, and that they are to beconnected together. See notes there on the many expressions common to both.

 Bullinger’s Notes at the Beginning of Psalm 9

Psalms 9 and 10 are linked together by an irregular Acrostic (see notes on pp. 721, 722, and Ap. 63 VII.), beginning at 9.1 and ending with 10.18. Seven letters are omitted. The Acrostic isirregular, corresponding with the “times of trouble.” The notes will show how one subjectpervades them (see H, p. 721). Cp. “the lawless one” (9.5, 16 and 10.2, 4, 13, 15); “times of trouble” (9.9 and 10.1); “the oppressed” (Heb. d âk , crushed, 9.9 and 10.18; occurs only here

and 74.21); “mortal men” (9.19, 20 and 10.18); “forget” (9.12, 17, 18 and 10.11, 12); “humble”(9.12, 18, and 10.12, 17); “not alway” (9.16, and “never, 10.11); “for ever and ever” (9.5 and10.16); “arise, Yahveh” (9.19 and 10.12).

Note: The phrases Bullinger identifies do not correspond with the verses called out in the

acrostic.

 Structure H, Page 721

 Note from page 722

‡ Pss. 9 and 10 are linked together by having an irregular alphabet running acrosticallythrough the two. The alphabet is broken and irregular, like the “times of trouble,” “the greattribulation,” of which they speak.

 Hebrew Alphabet 

The below is a best attempt to list the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order. The letters ingreen are, according to The Companion Bible, used in Psalms 9 and/or 10. The green

 

numbers in parentheses show the order in which they appear starting in Psalm 9:1 and endingwith Psalm 10:17.

The letters appear in the Psalms in the same order as they do in the Hebrew alphabet, with the

exception of ð (3).

What I cannot reconcile: Bullinger asserts that seven letters of the Hebrew alphabet are

omitted. I count fourteen. And I also know very little about Hebrew. 

à (1)

á (2)

â

ã

ä (4)

å (5)

æ

ç (6)

è (7)

é (8)

ê

ë

ì (9)

í

î

ï

ð (3)

ñ

ò

ó

ô

õ

ö

÷ (10)

ø (11)

ù (12)

ú

The Verses and Their Letters

The verses that start with each letter are listed below, in the order in which they appear inPsalms 9 and 10. The numbers in parentheses correspond with the letter’s order of appearance in the Hebrew alphabet,as I understand it (which could very well be incorrect).

à (1)

Psa 9:1 I will praise Thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all Thy marvellous

works.Psa 9:2 I will be glad and rejoice in Thee: I will sing praise to Thy name, O Thou MOS T HIGH.

 

á (2)

Psa 9:3 When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at Thy presence.

Psa 9:18 For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shallnot 

perish for ever.

ä (4)

Psa 9:6 O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyedcities; their memorial is perished with them.

Psa 10:17 LOR D, Thou hast heard the desire of the humble: Thou wilt prepare their heart,Thou wilt cause Thine ear to hear:

å (5)

Psa 9:7 But the LOR D shall endure for ever: He hath prepared His throne for judgment.Psa 9:8 And He shall judge the world in righteousness, He shall minister judgment to thepeople in uprightness.Psa 9:9 The LOR D also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.Psa 9:10 And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, LOR D, hast notforsaken them that seek Thee.Psa 9:11 Sing praises to the LOR D, Which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people Hisdoings.

ç (6)

Psa 9:13 Have mercy upon me, O LOR D; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate

me, Thou That liftest me up from the gates of death:

è (7) 

Psa 9:15 The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is

their own foot taken.

é (8)

Psa 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

ì (9)

Psa 10:1 Why standest Thou afar off, O LOR D? why hidest Thou Thyself in times of trouble?

ð (3)

Psa 9:5 Thou hast rebuked the heathen, Thou hast destroyed the wicked, Thou hast put outtheir name for ever and ever.

 

÷ (10)

Psa 10:12 Arise, O LOR D; O GOD, lift up Thine hand: forget not the humble.

ø (11)

Psa 10:14 Thou hast seen it; for Thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with Thy

hand: the poor committeth himself unto Thee; Thou art the helper of the fatherless.

ù (12)

Psa 10:15 Break Thou the arm of the wicked and the evilman: seek out his wickedness till 

Thou find none.