Psalms 94 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalms 94 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

Psalm 94 refers to injustice and oppression. These may be aimed at immoral leaders within Israel (Psalm 82:2). The accusations might also point to oppressive Gentile nations (Psalm 2:1; 9:17). In either case, arrogance leads wicked men to assume that God does not notice their crimes. This is one of the themes shared with Psalm 10 (Psalm 10:11).

The song opens with a plea for the Lord to act against the oppressive and unjust. These wicked ones—either leaders or nations—harm the innocent and pervert justice. They brag as if they think God doesn't know what they are doing. The psalmist prays for the Lord to quickly intervene: to bring his wrath on these corrupt abusers (Psalm 94:1–7).

Other passages note that all human wisdom starts with an understanding that God is the Creator (Proverbs 1:7). Arrogant men who harm innocents seem to have forgotten this. The psalmist challenges their attitude with rhetorical questions. If God made human eyes, He can see. If He made human ears, He can hear. No person is smart enough to outwit God. Nor can anyone outthink or outmaneuver Him. Everything these evil men do falls under the Lord's sovereign knowledge (Psalm 94:8–11).

Next, the psalm turns to reassurance. Hard times are not always a sign of the Lord's anger. In fact, when God loves someone, He uses discipline to train them (Hebrews 12:6). This means that God can even use the injustices of evil men for the good of His people. The Lord's promises are sure (Psalm 33:4; 93:5). Even when suffering, believers can remember that eternal and ultimate victory is their destiny (Psalm 94:12–15).

All the themes mentioned in this psalm merge into an expression of confidence. Faced with evil, the psalmist doesn't need to abandon hope. Nor does he need to seek revenge himself. Instead, he is sure that God will rescue His people and punish those who do evil. Clearly, evil men are not following the will of God. This overall confidence is based on prior experiences where the Lord made good on His promises. Those who defy Him will be utterly destroyed (Psalm 94:16–23).

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.

Psalm 94:8–11 refutes the arrogant claim that God is unaware of human sin (Psalm 10:11; 94:7). The basis of all truth and knowledge is an understanding of God's role as Creator (Proverbs 1:7). The One who created human senses knows everything a mortal person could know. Those who defy the Lord by oppressing the weak (Psalm 94:5–6) should take care to change their ways.

Psalm 94:12–15 speaks reassuring words about God's use of discipline and His promise of long-term victory. The Lord's discipline is a sign of His care (Hebrews 12:6); it teaches and guides. Though evil people may oppress (Psalm 94:5–6), God's people look forward to restoration and justice. This sets up the following passage, which praises the Lord for His role as a source of strength (Psalm 94:16–17).

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.

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 10:17:53 AM