Bible Commentaries
Psalms 94

Introduction

PSALM 94

:-. The writer, appealing to God in view of the oppression of enemies, rebukes them for their wickedness and folly, and encourages himself, in the confidence that God will punish evildoers, and favor His people.

Verse 1

1, 2. God's revenge is His judicial infliction of righteous punishment.

show thyself—(Compare Margin).

Verse 2

2. Lift up thyself—or, "Arise," both figures representing God as heretofore indifferent (compare Psalms 3:7; Psalms 22:16; Psalms 22:20).

Verse 3

3, 4. In an earnest expostulation he expresses his desire that the insolent triumph of the wicked may be ended.

Verse 5

5, 6. thy people [and] thine heritage—are synonymous, the people being often called God's heritage. As justice to the weak is a sign of the best government, their oppression is a sign of the worst (Deuteronomy 10:18; Isaiah 10:2).

Verse 7

7. Their cruelty is only exceeded by their wicked and absurd presumption (Psalms 10:11; Psalms 59:7).

Verse 8

8. ye brutish—(Compare Psalms 73:22; Psalms 92:6).

Verse 9

9-11. The evidence of God's providential government is found in His creative power and omniscience, which also assure us that He can punish the wicked in regard to all their vain purposes.

Verse 12

12, 13. On the other hand He favors though He chastens, the pious, and will teach and preserve them till the prosperous wicked are overthrown.

Verse 14

14, 15. This results from His abiding love (Deuteronomy 32:15), which is further evinced by His restoring order in His government, whose right administration will be approved by the good.

Verse 16

16. These questions imply that none other than God will help ( :-),

Verse 17

17-19. a fact fully confirmed by his past experience.

dwelt in silence—as in the grave (Psalms 31:17).

Verse 19

19. my thoughts—or, anxious cares.

Verse 20

20. throne—power, rulers.

iniquity [and] mischief—both denote evils done to others, as :- explains.

Verse 22

22, 23. Yet he is safe in God's care.

defence— ( :-).

rock of . . . refuge— (Psalms 9:9; Psalms 18:2).

Verse 23

23. bring . . . iniquity—(Compare Psalms 5:10; Psalms 7:16).

in their . . . wickedness—while they are engaged in evil doing.