Psalms 9:7

But the Lord. In the Hebrew text v. 6 ends with hemmah. The word remains untranslated in most versions, because its meaning, “they,” cannot be fitted into the context. From Ugaritic evidence (see p. 618) we now know that hemmah also had the meaning “lo” or “behold.” If such is its meaning here hemmah should stand at the beginning of v. 7, making the first part of the verse read, “Behold, the Lord shall endure forever.” By placing the punctuation mark, which did not exist in the time of the psalmist, before hemmah instead of after it, the acrostic arrangement of the psalm is improved. The readjustment makes v. 7 begin with the Hebrew letter he, which it does not do in the present Hebrew text.

Shall endure. Literally, “is seated.” In strong contrast with the desolation of v. 6, God remains forever seated upon the throne of judgment, judging equitably. “Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou, who changest not, abide with me!”