What does “those who know Your name” mean (Psalm 9:10)?

Psalm 9 is David’s hymn praising God for His sovereign rule and perfect justice over all nations. The Lord brings righteous judgment on the ungodly but extends mercy to those who trust in Him. David testifies,

In the Old Testament, names often represent more than mere identification. A person’s name typically conveyed meaning associated with specific characteristics or attributes (see Genesis 25:26; Exodus 2:10; 1 Samuel 1:20; 4:21). In the ancient world, a name was believed to define the actual character, reputation, and essential nature of the person. Thus, “knowing God’s name” is not simply about knowing what God is called. When David says, “Those who know your name trust in you,” he means that those who truly understand what God is like, who know His character, will gladly place their trust in Him.

Those who know God’s name are people who have a deep, abiding, personal relationship with God, even in times of trouble. They know Him and are known by Him (John 10:14). They know that He is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:9), merciful (Ephesians 2:4–5), gracious (Psalm 103:8), holy (Leviticus 11:44–45), just (Deuteronomy 32:4), and powerful (Jeremiah 32:17). They are convinced that He is loving (1 John 4:16) and that “nothing can ever separate [them] from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither [their] fears for today nor [their] worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate [them] from God’s love” (Romans 8:38, NLT).

Those who know God’s name are people who have witnessed God’s faithfulness and therefore believe He can be depended on. Never in the past had David seen God forsake anyone who faithfully sought after Him. The godly may have experienced trials like Job, Joshua, or Joseph, yet they were never abandoned by God (Psalm 37:25; Joshua 1:5; Genesis 45:4–8; 50:20). They may have been hunted through the wilderness like David himself (1 Samuel 24:1–2; 26:1–2). They may even have felt forsaken for a time (Psalm 22:1), yet they were not forsaken. “For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever” (Psalm 37:28, NLT).

Like David, the apostle Paul knew God’s character and therefore trusted in the Lord. While locked up in chains, Paul wrote to Timothy, “That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return” (2 Timothy 1:12, NLT). Paul also testified, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9, NLT).

Those who know God’s name are people who recognize who God is and embrace Him as Savior and Lord. The description suggests a significant level of intimacy, allegiance, and trust. God Himself declared, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name” (Psalm 91:14, NLT). Genuine faith involves a profound, reciprocal love between God and His followers. Those who love and trust God will, in turn, be saved and delivered by Him.

Those who know Your name describes people who have experienced God’s character and therefore have confidence in His promises. Because of their close relationship with God, they understand who He is and what He is like, and they place their whole trust in Him. In times of trouble, He is their refuge, strength, and anchor (Psalm 46:1–3; 62:5–8; Hebrews 6:19–20). They rely on His faithfulness, knowing “that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28, NLT; see also Nahum 1:7).