Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 9:8

"And he will judge the world in righteousness, He will minister judgment to the peoples in uprightness." — Psalms 9:8 (ASV)

And he shall judge the world in righteousness - The word "world" used here properly means the habitable earth, and then it denotes the inhabitants who dwell upon the earth. This statement is general and is suggested by what is referred to in the previous verses.

In the particular case on which this psalm turns, God had manifested himself as a just Judge. He had overthrown his enemies and the enemies of truth; he had intervened on behalf of the righteous.

From this fact, the psalmist makes the natural and proper inference that this would be found to be his character regarding all the world. This indicated what he would always be found to be in all his dealings with people; this showed what he would be whenever he in any way pronounced a judgment on mankind.

It may be added here that this will be found to be true in the great final judgment; that it will be in accordance with the principles of eternal justice.

He shall minister judgment - He will declare or pronounce judgment; he will execute the office of judge.

To the people. That is, to all people, to the nations of the earth. This corresponds with what, in the former part of the verse, is called the world; and the declaration is that in his dealings with the dwellers on the earth, he will be guided by the strictest principles of justice.

In uprightness - In rectitude. He will not be influenced by partiality; he will show no favoritism; he will not be bribed. He will do exact justice to all.