The Acrostic Psalms 9 &10

Introduction
In The Companion Bible, E. W. Bullinger asserts that Psalms 9 and 10 are linked together by an irregular acrostic. This small study attempts to make some sense out of that acrostic. Further research online has come up with nothing significant to add.

From Appendix 63, VII., i.

Psalms 9 and 10 are linked together by an Acrostic which, like the times of trouble (the great tribulation), of which the two Psalms treat, is purposely broken, and is irregular and out of joint. This Acrostic tells us that the subject of the two Psalms is one, and that they are to be connected together. See notes there on the many expressions common to both.

Bullingers Notes at the Beginning of Psalm 9

Psalms 9 and 10 are linked together by an irregular Acrostic (see notes on pp. 721, 722, and Ap. 63 VII.), beginning at 9.1 and ending with 10.18. Seven letters are omitted. The Acrostic is irregular, corresponding with the times of trouble. The notes will show how one subject pervades them (see H, p. 721). Cp. the lawless one (9.5, 16 and 10.2, 4, 13, 15); times of trouble (9.9 and 10.1); the oppressed (Heb. dk, crushed, 9.9 and 10.18; occurs only here and 74.21); mortal men (9.19, 20 and 10.18); forget (9.12, 17, 18 and 10.11, 12); humble (9.12, 18, and 10.12, 17); not alway (9.16, and never, 10.11); for ever and ever (9.5 and 10.16); arise, Yahveh (9.19 and 10.12). Note: The phrases Bullinger identifies do not correspond with the verses called out in the acrostic.

Structure H, Page 721

Note from page 722

Pss. 9 and 10 are linked together by having an irregular alphabet running acrostically through the two. The alphabet is broken and irregular, like the times of trouble, the great tribulation, of which they speak.

Hebrew Alphabet
The below is a best attempt to list the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order. The letters in green are, according to The Companion Bible, used in Psalms 9 and/or 10. The green

numbers in parentheses show the order in which they appear starting in Psalm 9:1 and ending with Psalm 10:17. The letters appear in the Psalms in the same order as they do in the Hebrew alphabet, with the exception of (3). What I cannot reconcile: Bullinger asserts that seven letters of the Hebrew alphabet are omitted. I count fourteen. And I also know very little about Hebrew. (1) (2) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (3) (10) (11) (12)

The Verses and Their Letters

The verses that start with each letter are listed below, in the order in which they appear in Psalms 9 and 10. The numbers in parentheses correspond with the letters order of appearance in the Hebrew alphabet, as I understand it (which could very well be incorrect). (1) Psa 9:1 I will praise Thee, O LORD , with my whole heart; I will shew forth all Thy marvellous works. Psa 9:2 I will be glad and rejoice in Thee: I will sing praise to Thy name, O Thou MOST HIGH .

 (2) Psa 9:3 When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at Thy presence. Psa 9:18 For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever. (4) Psa 9:6 O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them. Psa 10:17 LORD , Thou hast heard the desire of the humble: Thou wilt prepare their heart, Thou wilt cause Thine ear to hear: (5) Psa 9:7 But the LORD shall endure for ever: He hath prepared His throne for judgment. Psa 9:8 And He shall judge the world in righteousness, He shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. Psa 9:9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Psa 9:10 And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, LORD , hast not forsaken them that seek Thee. Psa 9:11 Sing praises to the LORD , Which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people His doings. (6) Psa 9:13 Have mercy upon me, O LORD ; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, Thou That liftest me up from the gates of death: (7) Psa 9:15 The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken. (8) Psa 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. (9) Psa 10:1 Why standest Thou afar off, O LORD ? why hidest Thou Thyself in times of trouble? (3) Psa 9:5 Thou hast rebuked the heathen, Thou hast destroyed the wicked, Thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.

 (10) Psa 10:12 Arise, O LORD ; O GOD, lift up Thine hand: forget not the humble. (11) Psa 10:14 Thou hast seen it; for Thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with Thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto Thee; Thou art the helper of the fatherless. (12) Psa 10:15 Break Thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till Thou find none.