Psalm 94:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and they say, "The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive."

NIV: They say, "The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice."

NASB: They have said, 'The Lord does not see, Nor does the God of Jacob perceive.'

CSB: They say, "The Lord doesn’t see it. The God of Jacob doesn’t pay attention."

NLT: 'The Lord isn’t looking,' they say, 'and besides, the God of Israel doesn’t care.'

KJV: Yet they say, The Lord shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.

NKJV: Yet they say, “The Lord does not see, Nor does the God of Jacob understand.”

Psalm 94:1–7 addresses the Lord as the God of vengeance. The psalmist longs to see God's wrath brought onto those who harm the innocent. These wicked people brag about their sin, as if the Lord weren't aware of their crimes (Psalm 10:11). Though this seems to apply to enemy nations, it may also refer to corrupt leaders and judges.

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 1:14:48 PM