Psalm 94
Psalm 94 is a call for God’s justice against the wicked and a plea for divine intervention. It highlights the arrogance of the wicked and their oppression of the innocent, but the psalmist expresses confidence in God's ultimate justice. It emphasizes that although God may seem silent, He sees everything and will bring judgment. This psalm offers comfort to the righteous, assuring them that God will be their help and refuge.
Psalm 94:1-10 (NKJV)
1 O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs—
O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!
2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth;
Render punishment to the proud.
3 Lord, how long will the wicked,
How long will the wicked triumph?
4 They utter speech, and speak insolent things;
All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves.
5 They break in pieces Your people, O Lord,
And afflict Your heritage.
6 They slay the widow and the stranger,
And murder the fatherless.
7 Yet they say, “The Lord does not see,
Nor does the God of Jacob understand.”
8 Understand, you senseless among the people;
And you fools, when will you be wise?
9 He who planted the ear, shall He not hear?
He who formed the eye, shall He not see?
10 He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct,
He who teaches man knowledge?
The psalmist begins by appealing to God, recognizing Him as the ultimate judge who will deal justly with the wicked. He cries out for justice, expressing frustration at the arrogance of the wicked who oppress the helpless and deny God's awareness of their actions. The rhetorical questions in verses 9-10 highlight the absurdity of thinking that the Creator does not see or hear. God’s justice is inevitable, and those who boast in their wickedness will not escape His judgment.
Psalm 94:11-15 (NKJV)
11 The Lord knows the thoughts of man,
That they are futile.
12 Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord,
And teach out of Your law,
13 That You may give him rest from the days of adversity,
Until the pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the Lord will not cast off His people,
Nor will He forsake His inheritance.
15 But judgment will return to righteousness,
And all the upright in heart will follow it.
The psalmist reflects on God's wisdom, recognizing that human thoughts are ultimately futile. God blesses those He teaches through His Word, providing rest and assurance despite trials. The righteous can find comfort knowing that God’s justice will prevail, and He will not abandon His people. The promise of judgment being aligned with righteousness encourages believers to trust in God's timing, as they will ultimately be vindicated.
Psalm 94:16-19 (NKJV)
16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers?
Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
17 Unless the Lord had been my help,
My soul would soon have settled in silence.
18 If I say, “My foot slips,”
Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up.
19 In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.
The psalmist acknowledges that without God’s help, he would have been overwhelmed by the wicked. When he feels unsteady or anxious, he finds strength in God’s mercy and comfort. These verses emphasize God's sustaining grace, showing that even amid inner struggles, the believer can find peace and delight in God's presence.
Psalm 94:20-23 (NKJV)
20 Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law,
Have fellowship with You?
21 They gather together against the life of the righteous,
And condemn innocent blood.
22 But the Lord has been my defense,
And my God the rock of my refuge.
23 He has brought on them their own iniquity,
And shall cut them off in their own wickedness;
The Lord our God shall cut them off.
The psalm concludes by contrasting God's justice with the wicked rulers who abuse their power. These rulers, though they act under the guise of legality, are far from God’s ways. Yet, the psalmist declares that God is his refuge and defense. Ultimately, the wicked will be destroyed by their own schemes, and God will ensure justice is served. The closing verses reaffirm the certainty of divine intervention and the protection God provides to His people.