Psalm 9, Why Must God’s Name be Made Known?

Why does God want His name known?  Is He egotistical?  An egotistical person is one who, using Biblical terminology, is one who thinks of himself more highly than he ought to think (Rom. 12:3).  It is impossible for God to think of Himself more highly than He ought to think because there is none higher.  He is holy, totally set apart in honor; there is none like Him! 

Thus, again we ask, why does God want His name known, among the nations, in all the earth?  We can truthfully say that He deserves to be known; He deserves to have an exalted name in all the earth.  He created all things.  Whatever exists is there to glorify the Creator, to exalt His name.  He deserves to be glorified!

But we can also say He desires His name to be known because of His love for those He has created.  Listen to David: And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You (Ps. 9:10).  Mankind is hopelessly lost, living in the pit of despair.  We need help, and the only help is the LORD.  In other words, we need to put our trust in Him.  But we cannot do that if we do not know the LORD, if we do not know His name!

Furthermore, the more we know of the name of the LORD, the more we see His marvelous works (Ps. 9:1).  In Psalm 9 David not only speaks of the LORD’s support against his enemies (v3-8); the LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble (v9).  Those who know and trust in the name of the LORD are truly blessed.  For example …

·       Ps. 54:1: They are saved from their troubles.

·       Ps. 20:1; 91:14; Prov. 18:10: In the NKJV these verses use the same Hebrew term but have different English translations.  In 20:1 those who trust in the name of the LORD have a defense.  In 91:14 they are set on high.  In Prov. 18:10 they are safe.  That last passage gives us a great picture.  The “migdal” (tower) was made of stone.  If their city wasn’t enclosed by a wall people could run to the tower and hide from an enemy.  One such tower in Judges 9:47-52 held a thousand people.  The LORD is a strong tower!    

·       Ps. 124:8: For the pilgrim, his help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.  The term “help” is very broad.  The LORD, the Creator of all things, satisfies wholly, meeting every need.

·       John 17:11: In Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer” He asked His holy Father to keep through your name those whom You have given Me.  God guards or keeps His eye on those who trust in His name.

·       1 Cor. 6:11: Here we see great value to those who trust in Christ.  But you were washed, … sanctified, … justified in the name of the Lord Jesus. 

Let us worship our God of glory and love.  There is none like Him!