To the tune of “The Death of the Son.”
The specific tune mentioned here is unknown today, but it suggests that the psalm was set to a familiar melody of the time. This practice of using known tunes for new lyrics was common in ancient cultures. The title "The Death of the Son" could imply a somber or reflective tone, possibly alluding to themes of mortality or divine justice.

A Psalm of David.
David, the second king of Israel, is traditionally credited with writing many of the psalms. His life experiences, from shepherd to king, provide a rich backdrop for his writings. David's psalms often reflect his personal relationship with God, his struggles, and his triumphs. This attribution connects the psalm to a historical figure known for his deep faith and complex life.

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart;
This phrase emphasizes wholehearted devotion and gratitude to God. In biblical terms, the heart represents the center of one's being, including emotions, will, and intellect. Giving thanks with all one's heart implies complete sincerity and commitment. This reflects the biblical principle of loving God with all one's heart, soul, and strength, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5.

I will recount all Your wonders.
Recounting God's wonders involves remembering and declaring His mighty acts and miracles. This practice of remembrance is a recurring theme in the Bible, serving to strengthen faith and encourage others. The wonders of God could include creation, deliverance from Egypt, and personal experiences of divine intervention. This act of recounting is both a personal and communal exercise, reinforcing the faith community's shared history and identity.

David addresses this psalm to the leader of public worship, signaling that the words are meant to be sung by God’s people together. Scripture regularly highlights the role of corporate praise (2 Chronicles 5:13; Psalm 68:24–26). By directing the psalm to the choirmaster, David invites the entire congregation to share in his thanksgiving, reminding us that gratitude is not merely private but is to be voiced among the saints (Hebrews 2:12).

This musical instruction indicates a well-known melody of David’s day, probably associated with a somber theme. Pairing a tune linked to death with words of thanksgiving foreshadows the gospel pattern: out of suffering and loss, God brings victory and praise (Isaiah 25:8; John 12:24). Believers echo this whenever we sing of Christ’s death and resurrection, turning lament into worship.

The superscription anchors the psalm in real history and authorship. David’s life—marked by deliverance from enemies, personal sin, and divine mercy—adds weight to his declaration of trust (1 Samuel 17:37; 2 Samuel 22:1–3). His testimony assures us that the thanksgiving of Psalm 9 flows from lived experience, inviting every believer to trust God’s faithfulness in their own story (Psalm 34:4–6).

David’s resolve is wholehearted: no divided affections, no reserved praise. “With all my heart” recalls the greatest commandment to love the LORD with all our heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). Thanksgiving is the natural overflow of such love (Colossians 3:17). • Wholehearted gratitude: not mechanical duty but joyful response to grace (Psalm 103:1). • Directed to “the LORD,” the covenant name Yahweh, affirming a personal relationship grounded in God’s steadfast love (Exodus 34:6–7).

Remembering precedes rejoicing. David pledges to rehearse God’s mighty acts—creation, redemption, daily providence (Psalm 77:11–12). • Recounting fuels faith: speaking of past wonders steadies us for present trials (1 Samuel 17:37). • Recounting multiplies worshipers: telling God’s works invites others to join in praise (Psalm 40:3; Acts 2:11). • Recounting glorifies God by acknowledging His hand in every victory (Psalm 118:23).

Psalm 9:1 models a life of intentional, communal, wholehearted gratitude. David directs the choirmaster to lead God’s people in song, sets his words to a melody that transforms sorrow into praise, roots the prayer in his own story, and commits both heart and tongue to magnify the LORD. We follow his example when we gather with the church, recall the saving acts of God—supremely in Christ’s death and resurrection—and give thanks with undivided hearts, recounting His wonders to all who will listen.