David recounts how God's judgment delivered him -- not just in his personal case, but in delivering all the poor who are afflicted by the wicked. This is the first alphabet psalm example.

interlinear Bible: https://biblehub.com/interlinear/psalms/9.htm

Why were Psalms 9 and 10 separated? https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/104097/why-were-psalms-9-and-10-separated

Sandwiched between 2 judgment Psalms, Psalm 8 praises the name of the Lord Most High. It reflects on God's ownership of the earth and creation of the heavens. Then it muses on man's position in God's creation.

Psalms 7 and 9 tell us to praise the name of the Lord Most High. Here is that praise song for us: pointing us to the heavens, and to how the Lord elevates man despite his natural insignificance.

Music: "Hidden in My Heart" by Jay Stocker. Used with license. https://scripture-lullabies.com/hidden-in-my-heart-vol-i

David, in a wild and passionate song, presents to God his case against Cush the Benjaminite, who has falsely accused David of betrayal and greed.

Shiggaion definition: https://crosswinds.church/2022/08/22/shiggaion/

Identity of Cush: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/2020/10/12/who-on-earth-is-cush/#:~:text=This%20week's%20psalm%20comes%20complete,22:6%2D10).

Music: "Hidden in My Heart" by Jay Stocker. Used with license. https://scripture-lullabies.com/hidden-in-my-heart-vol-i

David, on the lyre, sings of the plight of a man tormented by guilt, illness, death, and enemies. When the Lord hears and accepts his prayer, all his enemies are turned back in a moment.

Music: “Hidden in My Heart” by Jay Stocker. Used with license. https://scripture-lullabies.com/hidden-in-my-heart-vol-i

Chesed is the Hebrew word for love - steadfast love, lovingkindness, mercy, loyalty. The abundance of chesed provides David with access to the House of the Lord. But the abundance of transgressions keeps the arrogant far from God.

David's evening psalm contrasts 2 ways of lying down for bed: those whose follow empty things should quietly meditate on how to be right with God. The one blessed by the Lord has nothing to do but sleep: he is secure in the Lord's peace.

The first Psalm of David - a morning prayer- was written while he fled from the rebellion of his son Absalom. A prayer of trust for deliverance, the recurring imagery is of arising.

Psalm 2 is a "long live the king" poem- honoring Israel's king and proclaiming victory over the world. It seems to flirt with the idea of the king being deity. In fact, it gets real Jesus-y real fast. I struggle to give it meaning for the original Hebrew, nonChristian audience.

Psalm 1 opens the compilation as a beatitude and the broadest view of God’s order for the world. It introduces recurring scroll 1 concepts like God as judge, two opposing sides, and day and night.

Acacia tree in Psalm 1, according to Marty Solomon: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bema-podcast/id1148115183?i=1000384341762