Psalms 94

Ps 94 This plea for the Lord’s justice includes both communal and individual expressions of lament (94:1-7, 16-23). The psalmist gives voice to the pain and suffering caused by the wicked, but he also depicts the comfort and stability of the Lord’s protection. He calls on the Lord to avenge the needy against the arrogant and foolish, he rebukes such people for their folly (94:8-11), and he pronounces a blessing on the wise (94:12-15).94:1-7 After the community falls victim to the wicked (94:5-7), they pray that the Lord will render justice (see 7:11; 9:12).

94:2 Just as the Lord’s enemies rise up against him and his people (3:7; 93:3), he must arise and make retribution against the enemy (see 79:12; Isa 65:6).

94:6 widows . . . foreigners . . . orphans: The Lord’s law protects needy people (Deut 24:17; 27:19), but they remain vulnerable in society.

94:7 The wicked think that they can get away with their vile acts and speech, foolishly assuming that God isn’t looking or doesn’t care.

94:8-11 The psalmist rebukes human folly.

94:9 It is preposterous that those with ears and eyes would imagine their Creator to be deaf and blind.

94:10 punishes: This word also carries the idea of “warns” (2:10), “disciplines” (6:1; 94:12), or “instructs” (16:7). The Lord disciplines his people to purify their character (Prov 3:11-12; Heb 12:6-11). He punishes his enemies by giving them what they deserve (Ps 1:6; Rom 6:23).

94:11 While the Lord’s thoughts are deep, people’s thoughts are worthless (cp. 92:5; 1 Cor 3:20).

94:12-15 True to his nature, the Lord rewards those who live by his wise instruction and makes them happy according to his promises.

94:13 God’s relief includes his comfort and rescue.

94:14 Even when it seems that he has, the Lord will not reject his people.

94:16-23 The psalmist’s prayer resumes (see 94:1-7) with a desperate cry for the Lord’s justice; it concludes with the hopeful expectation that evil will end.94:16 Only God has the power to stand up to the wicked (see 2:2).

94:18-19 The psalmist’s experience of slipping contrasts with God’s promise to stand with him (94:12-13; see 15:5; 93:1).