Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 9:3

"When mine enemies turn back, They stumble and perish at thy presence." — Psalms 9:3 (ASV)

When mine enemies are turned back - The psalmist does not say who these enemies were. It is clear, however, as was remarked in the introduction, that the psalm was composed:

• in view of a victory that had been achieved over some formidable enemies; and
• in view of some dangers still impending from a similar source.

The literal meaning of the passage here is, “In the turning of my enemies back;” that is, in their retreat, defeat, overthrow. As far as the Hebrew form of expression is concerned, this may refer to what had been done or to what would be. It may imply either that they had been turned back, or that the psalmist hoped and believed that they would be. In either case, the fact would show the divine perfections and give occasion for gratitude and praise.

The verbs with which this is connected - they shall fall and perish - are indeed in the Hebrew, as in our version, in the future tense. However, this does not necessarily determine whether the psalmist refers to what had occurred or what would occur.

His attitude is this: he contemplates his enemies as mighty and formidable. He sees the danger that exists when such enemies surround one. He looks at the interposition of God and sees that whenever it occurs, it would be followed by this consequence: that they would stumble and fall before Him.

But while this verse does not determine whether he refers to what has been or to what would be, the subsequent verses (Psalms 9:4–6) seem to settle it. In those verses, he speaks as if this were already done and as if God had interposed in a remarkable manner in defeating his foes.

I regard this, therefore, as a reflection on what had occurred, and as expressing what was then actually a ground of praise and thanksgiving.

They shall fall and perish - This is a general statement in view of what had occurred, meaning that this would always be the case.

At thy presence - This means before You; that is, when You manifest Yourself.

This was the reason why they would stumble and fall, and it is equivalent to saying, "Whenever mine enemies are turned back, the reason they stumble and fall is ‘thy presence.’ It is the interposition of Your power. It is not to be traced to the prowess of man that they thus turn back and perish, but rather to the fact that You are present—that You interpose."

It is thus an acknowledgment of God as the author of the victory in all cases.