What does Psalm 94:21 mean?
ESV: They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.
NIV: The wicked band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.
NASB: They band themselves together against the life of the righteous And condemn the innocent to death.
CSB: They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.
NLT: They gang up against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.
KJV: They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.
NKJV: They gather together against the life of the righteous, And condemn innocent blood.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
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.
Chapter Summary:
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.
Chapter Context:
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.
Book Summary:
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 12:46:14 PM
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
