1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
2 Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.
3 LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?
4 [How long] shall they utter [and] speak hard things? [and] all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?
5 They break in pieces thy people, O LORD, and afflict thine heritage.
6 They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless.
7 Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard [it].
8 Understand, ye brutish among the people: and [ye] fools, when will ye be wise?
9 He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
10 He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, [shall not he know]?
11 The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they [are] vanity.
12 Blessed [is] the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;
13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.
14 For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
15 But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.
16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? [or] who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
17 Unless the LORD [had been] my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.
18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.
19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.
20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?
21 They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.
22 But the LORD is my defence; and my God [is] the rock of my refuge.
23 And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; [yea], the LORD our God shall cut them off.
Overview of Psalm 94
Psalm 94 is a poignant reflection on the themes of justice, divine retribution, and the suffering of the righteous. It addresses the problem of evil and the apparent triumph of the wicked, while affirming God’s sovereignty and care for His people.
Structure of Psalm 94
The chapter can be divided into several key sections:
- Invocation for Justice (Verses 1-2)
The psalmist calls upon God as the God of vengeance, urging Him to rise up and judge the wicked.
- Description of the Wicked (Verses 3-7)
This section describes the arrogance and oppression of the wicked, highlighting their disregard for God’s law.
- Divine Awareness and Judgment (Verses 8-11)
The psalmist reminds the wicked that God sees their actions and will not be mocked.
- Comfort for the Righteous (Verses 12-15)
Here, the psalmist shifts focus to the righteous, expressing the blessings of discipline and assurance of God’s justice.
- Personal Reflection and Trust (Verses 16-23)
The psalmist reflects on his own struggles and affirms his trust in God as his refuge and protector.
Thematic Analysis
- Justice and Vengeance
The psalm opens with a cry for God to enact justice, emphasizing His role as the ultimate judge of human actions.
- The Problem of Evil
The psalmist grapples with the existence of evil and the suffering of the righteous, questioning why the wicked seem to prosper.
- God’s Sovereignty
Throughout the psalm, there is a strong affirmation of God’s sovereignty over all creation, including the actions of the wicked.
- Encouragement for the Faithful
The latter part of the psalm offers encouragement to the faithful, reminding them that God is their refuge and will ultimately deliver them.
Key Verses and Their Significance
- Verse 1: “O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth!”
This verse sets the tone for the psalm, highlighting the psalmist’s urgent plea for divine intervention.
- Verse 10: “He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke?”
This verse emphasizes God’s authority over nations and His role in administering justice.
- Verse 14: “For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage.”
This verse reassures the faithful of God’s unwavering commitment to His people, despite their trials.
- Verse 22: “But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.”
This declaration of faith underscores the psalmist’s trust in God as a source of strength and safety.
Theological Implications
Psalm 94 presents several important theological implications:
- The Nature of God:
God is portrayed as just and righteous, actively involved in the affairs of humanity.
- The Reality of Suffering:
The psalm acknowledges the reality of suffering and injustice, affirming that it is a part of the human experience.
- The Hope of Redemption:
Despite the presence of evil, the psalmist expresses hope in God’s ultimate justice and the restoration of the faithful.
Conclusion
Psalm 94 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s justice, the reality of human suffering, and the assurance of His protection for the righteous. It encourages believers to maintain their faith in the face of adversity, trusting in God’s ultimate plan for justice and redemption.
