Psalm 94 Kjv (2024)

FAQs

What is Psalm 94 talking about? ›

It is a call for God to rise up and act by bringing justice. Particular, the psalmist is calling for judgment against the proud, that they receive what they deserve. Again, we see that there is not a problem with asking God to administer justice.

Psalms 94:1-2 King James Version (KJV)

O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself. Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: Render a reward to the proud.

Psalms 94:5 King James Version (KJV)

They break in pieces thy people, O LORD, And afflict thine heritage.

Romans 12:19 KJV

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

The Psalms praise God for being a just God.

The Lord vindicates his people, punishes evil, and cares for the marginalized. He opposes the wicked, whether individuals (e.g., Psalms 1:4 – 6) or nations (e.g., Psalm 2), and will mete out justice for their wickedness.

As the psalmist says, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul” (Psalms 94:19). When our wounds are deep, God's healing goes deeper. When our troubles are broad, his help runs broader. When our cares are many, his consolations are more.

Even before God became man, it's clear throughout the Old Testament that God feels sorrow, even weeps for the crushing blows of His people. Psalm 34:18 promises us that “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” How can you be close to someone who is brokenhearted and not feel their pain?

Guarding our hearts from a scriptural perspective means for us to be alert, through the power of Christ within us, to what enters and dwells in our hearts. We need to be aware of what we say and do, because over time, our thoughts and actions shape the status of our hearts.

Psalms 94:23 in Other Translations

23 God will turn the sins of evil people back on them. He will destroy them for their sins. The LORD our God will destroy them. The Message Bible (MSG) 23 Then boomeranged their evil back on them: for their evil ways he wiped them out, our God cleaned them out for good.

Is Psalm 94 a lament? ›

* [Psalm 94] A lament of an individual who is threatened by wicked people. The danger affects the whole community. Calling upon God as judge (Ps 94:1–2), the Psalm complains about oppression of the holy community by people within (Ps 94:3–7).

19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. 20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law? 21 They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.

In Bonhoeffer's words, Nowhere do those who pray these psalms want to take revenge into their own hands; they leave vengeance to God alone…. Therefore they must abandon all personal thoughts of revenge and must be free from their own thirst for revenge; otherwise vengeance is not seriously left to God.

Proverbs 20:22

22 Do not say, “I'll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.

Psalm 137 is probably the psalm most cited in the context of suffering and vengeance.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 94:9

We may with boldness appeal to God; for he is the almighty Judge by whom every man is judged. Let this encourage those who suffer wrong, to bear it with silence, committing themselves to Him who judges righteously.

Psalm 94:19 Portrays the Psalmist Acknowledging God as His Source of Hope. “When the cares of my heart are many.” How often is that true in our lives? Just so many different cares on our heart, concerns on our heart. Our hearts are burdened by many things.

19 When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up. 20 Can Misrule have anything in common with you? Can Troublemaker pretend to be on your side? 21 They ganged up on good people, plotted behind the backs of the innocent.

Psalms 94:1-23 The Message (MSG)

GOD, put an end to evil; avenging God, show your colors! Judge of the earth, take your stand; throw the book at the arrogant. GOD, the wicked get away with murder— how long will you let this go on? They brag and boast and crow about their crimes!