Because of verses 13-14, Psalm 9 is usually classified as an "individual lament" psalm, calling for God's help in a time of trial. The main focus of the psalm, though, is on God's righteous rule as king over all.
The psalmist praises God for his wonderful works in the past (v 1) and looks forward to praising him for additional wonders in the future ( v 14). The wicked may prosper temporarily, but there will come a time when evil will exist no longer (vv 5-6; 15-18).
The psalmist prays for such a time to come soon (vv 19-20). The prayer "Arise, O Lord!" echoes Moses' prayer whenever the Israelites started on a new stage of their journey: "Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you" (Num 10:35). The Israelites would need the kind of faith exhibited in Psalm 9 to be successful in their mission.
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