John Calvin Commentary Psalms 9:19

"Arise, O Jehovah; let not man prevail: Let the nations be judged in thy sight." — Psalms 9:19 (ASV)

Arise, O Jehovah. When David implores God to arise, the expression does not strictly apply to God, but it refers to external appearance and to our senses; for we do not perceive God as the deliverer of his people except when he appears before our eyes, as it were, sitting upon the judgment-seat.

A reason is also given to persuade God to avenge the injuries done to his people, namely, that man may not prevail; for when God arises, all the fierceness of the ungodly must immediately fall and give way. Why is it that the wicked become so audaciously insolent, or have such great power to do evil, if it is not because God remains still and gives them loose reins?

But, as soon as he shows some sign of his judgment, he immediately puts a stop to their proud tumults and breaks their strength and power with his nod alone.

We are taught by this way of praying that however insolently and proudly our enemies may boast of what they will do, yet they are in the hand of God and can do no more than what he permits them. Furthermore, God can undoubtedly, whenever he pleases, render all their endeavors vain and ineffectual.

The Psalmist, therefore, in speaking of them, calls them man. The word in the original is אנוש, enosh, which is derived from a root signifying misery or wretchedness. Accordingly, it is the same as if he had called them mortal or frail man.

Furthermore, the Psalmist implores God to judge the heathen before his face. God is said to do this when he compels them, by one means or another, to appear before his judgment-seat. We know that unbelievers, until they are dragged by force into God's presence, turn their backs on him as much as they can, to exclude from their minds all thought of him as their Judge.