Bible Commentaries

Psalm 94:1-23. 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.

God‘s revenge is His judicial infliction of righteous punishment.

show thyself — (Compare Margin).

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

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

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).

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

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

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.

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

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.

These questions imply that none other than God will help (Psalm 60:9),

a fact fully confirmed by his past experience.

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

my thoughts — or, anxious cares.

throne — power, rulers.

iniquity [and] mischief — both denote evils done to others, as Psalm 94:21 explains.

Yet he is safe in God‘s care.

defence — (Psalm 59:9).

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

iniquity — (Compare Psalm 5:10; Psalm 7:16).

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