Psalm 94:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who frame injustice by statute?

NIV: Can a corrupt throne be allied with you— a throne that brings on misery by its decrees?

NASB: Can a throne of destruction be allied with You, One which devises mischief by decree?

CSB: Can a corrupt throne be your ally, a throne that makes evil laws?

NLT: Can unjust leaders claim that God is on their side — leaders whose decrees permit injustice?

KJV: Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?

NKJV: Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law, Have fellowship with You?

Psalm 94:16–23 applies the themes of the psalm into an expression of confidence. Evil people bring oppression (Psalm 94:5–6). They assume God cannot see their sins (Psalm 94:9–10). But the Lord disciplines and plans good for those whom He loves (Psalm 94:12–13). The psalmist reassures himself that God does not favor those who do evil. Rather than despair, or revenge, the psalmist can rest assured that the Lord will punish those who do evil.

This song begins with the psalmist's prayer for God's vengeance on arrogant, evil people bragging about their sin. These criminals abuse the Lord's people and think God is unaware. But the Creator who made man knows everything men can know. God sees. He will continue to work out His plan. This will end in restoration for His people and eternal disaster for those who hate Him.

This psalm may refer to corrupt leaders within Israel, or to oppressing Gentile nations. Their sins don't escape God's notice; He will punish them one day. The text shares themes with Psalm 10, such as the arrogance of men assuming the Lord doesn't know or care about their sin. First Corinthians 3:20 cites Psalm 94:11 when pointing out that God is perfectly aware of human scheming.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 12/18/2024 12:39:27 PM