Psalms 94
BSB1 O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth. 2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render a reward to the proud. 3 How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked exult? 4 They pour out arrogant words; all workers of iniquity boast. 5 They crush Your people, O LORD; they oppress Your heritage. 6 They kill the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless. 7 They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed." 8 Take notice, O senseless among the people! O fools, when will you be wise? 9 He who affixed the ear, can He not hear? He who formed the eye, can He not see? 10 He who admonishes the nations, does He not discipline? He who teaches man, does He lack knowledge? 11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile. 12 Blessed is the man You discipline, O LORD, and teach from Your law, 13 to grant him relief from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked. 14 For the LORD will not forsake His people; He will never abandon His heritage. 15 Surely judgment will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it. 16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will stand for me against the workers of iniquity? 17 Unless the LORD had been my helper, I would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence. 18 If I say, “My foot is slipping,” Your loving devotion, O LORD, supports me. 19 When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul. 20 Can a corrupt throne be Your ally— one devising mischief by decree? 21 They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. 22 But the LORD has been my stronghold, and my God is my rock of refuge. 23 He will bring upon them their own iniquity and destroy them for their wickedness. The LORD our God will destroy them.
Study Notes — Psalms 94
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Psalms 94
- Themes from Psalms 94
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 94
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Psalms 94 begins with a call to God to rise up and judge the wicked, who have been oppressing the righteous (Psalms 94:1-3). The psalmist then reflects on the arrogance of the wicked, who think they can escape God's judgment (Psalms 94:4-7). He reminds them that God is the Creator and knows all their thoughts and actions (Psalms 94:8-11). The psalmist expresses confidence in God's justice, knowing that He will ultimately vindicate the righteous and punish the wicked (Psalms 94:12-23). Throughout the chapter, the psalmist encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and wait patiently for His justice to be revealed.
Context for the Chapter
Psalms 94 is part of the fourth book of the Psalms, which focuses on the themes of God's justice, righteousness, and redemption. This chapter fits into the larger narrative of the Psalms, which emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and waiting patiently for His justice to be revealed. The chapter also reflects the historical context of the Israelites, who were often oppressed by their enemies and cried out to God for deliverance.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Psalms 94, we are reminded of the importance of seeking justice and righteousness in our lives. We are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and wait patiently for His justice to be revealed, even in the face of wickedness and oppression. May we cry out to God for justice, just as the psalmist did, and may we trust in His longsuffering nature and abounding love.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Psalms 94 is a chapter about God's justice and longsuffering nature. The psalmist cries out to God for justice against the wicked, while also acknowledging God's slow anger and abounding love. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty and wait patiently for His justice to be revealed, even in the face of wickedness and oppression, as seen in Psalms 94:1-3.
Voices from the Church
“The psalmist's cry for justice is a cry that echoes through the ages, a reminder that God is a God of justice and righteousness.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The wickedness of the wicked is a stark reminder of the depravity of human nature, and the importance of seeking redemption through faith in Jesus Christ.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The psalmist's cry for justice (Psalms 94:1-3) — The psalmist begins the chapter by crying out to God for justice against the wicked.
- The wickedness of the wicked (Psalms 94:4-7) — The psalmist describes the wicked as those who oppress the righteous and think they can escape God's judgment.
- God's longsuffering nature (Psalms 94:8-11) — The psalmist acknowledges that God is slow to anger and abounding in love.
- The psalmist's confidence in God's justice (Psalms 94:12-15) — The psalmist expresses confidence in God's justice, knowing that He will ultimately vindicate the righteous and punish the wicked.
- The psalmist's call to trust in God (Psalms 94:16-23) — The psalmist encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and wait patiently for His justice to be revealed.
Core Doctrines
- The justice of God
- Psalms 94 emphasizes the importance of God's justice, highlighting His role as the ultimate Judge of all the earth.
- The longsuffering nature of God
- The chapter also highlights God's longsuffering nature, emphasizing His slow anger and abounding love.
- The importance of trusting in God
- The psalmist encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and wait patiently for His justice to be revealed.
- The doctrine of redemption
- The chapter reflects the doctrine of redemption, emphasizing the importance of seeking redemption through faith in Jesus Christ.
Lessons from Psalms 94
- The importance of seeking justice — The psalmist's cry for justice highlights the importance of seeking justice and righteousness in our lives.
- The dangers of wickedness — The psalmist's description of the wicked serves as a warning against the dangers of wickedness and the importance of living a righteous life.
- The importance of trusting in God — The psalmist encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and wait patiently for His justice to be revealed.
- The longsuffering nature of God — The psalmist acknowledges that God is slow to anger and abounding in love, highlighting the importance of trusting in His sovereignty.
- The ultimate vindication of the righteous — The psalmist expresses confidence in God's justice, knowing that He will ultimately vindicate the righteous and punish the wicked.
Themes from Psalms 94
- Justice and righteousness — The psalmist's cry for justice highlights the importance of seeking justice and righteousness in our lives.
- The wickedness of the wicked — The psalmist's description of the wicked serves as a warning against the dangers of wickedness and the importance of living a righteous life.
- God's longsuffering nature — The psalmist acknowledges that God is slow to anger and abounding in love, highlighting the importance of trusting in His sovereignty.
- The importance of trusting in God — The psalmist encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and wait patiently for His justice to be revealed.
- The ultimate vindication of the righteous — The psalmist expresses confidence in God's justice, knowing that He will ultimately vindicate the righteous and punish the wicked.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the psalmist mean by crying out to God for justice against the wicked?
- How does the psalmist describe the wicked in Psalms 94:4-7?
- What does the psalmist mean by saying that God is slow to anger and abounding in love?
- How does the psalmist express confidence in God's justice in Psalms 94:12-15?
- What does the psalmist encourage believers to do in Psalms 94:16-23?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The psalmist's cry for justice (Psalms 94:1-3)
| 94:1 | The psalmist begins the chapter by crying out to God for justice against the wicked. |
| 94:2 | The psalmist asks God to rise up and judge the wicked, who have been oppressing the righteous. |
2. The wickedness of the wicked (Psalms 94:4-7)
| 94:4 | The psalmist describes the wicked as those who oppress the righteous and think they can escape God's judgment. |
| 94:5 | The wicked are those who break God's laws and think they can get away with it. |
3. God's longsuffering nature (Psalms 94:8-11)
| 94:8 | The psalmist acknowledges that God is slow to anger and abounding in love. |
| 94:9 | God is the Creator and knows all the thoughts and actions of men. |
4. The psalmist's confidence in God's justice (Psalms 94:12-15)
| 94:12 | The psalmist expresses confidence in God's justice, knowing that He will ultimately vindicate the righteous and punish the wicked. |
| 94:13 | God will give the wicked the reward they deserve for their wickedness. |
5. The psalmist's call to trust in God (Psalms 94:16-23)
| 94:16 | The psalmist asks who will rise up for him against the wicked and take a stand for him against the evildoers. |
| 94:17 | The psalmist expresses his trust in God, knowing that He will ultimately deliver him from his enemies. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Psalms 94?
The main theme of Psalms 94 is God's justice and longsuffering nature, as the psalmist cries out to God for justice against the wicked and acknowledges God's slow anger and abounding love.
Who is the wicked in Psalms 94?
The wicked in Psalms 94 are those who oppress the righteous and think they can escape God's judgment, as described in Psalms 94:4-7.
What does the psalmist mean by saying that God is slow to anger and abounding in love?
The psalmist means that God is patient and longsuffering, giving men time to repent and turn to Him before He judges them, as seen in Psalms 94:8-11.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 94:1 → Genesis 18:25 | God is the Judge of all the earth, as seen in Genesis 18:25. |
| 2 | Psalms 94:2 → Psalms 7:6 | The psalmist asks God to rise up and judge the wicked, as seen in Psalms 7:6. |
| 3 | Psalms 94:4 → Psalms 10:2 | The wicked are those who oppress the righteous and think they can escape God's judgment, as seen in Psalms 10:2. |
| 4 | Psalms 94:8 → Psalms 14:1 | God is the Creator and knows all the thoughts and actions of men, as seen in Psalms 14:1. |
| 5 | Psalms 94:12 → Deuteronomy 32:4 | God is just and righteous, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4. |
| 6 | Psalms 94:13 → Proverbs 11:5 | God will give the wicked the reward they deserve for their wickedness, as seen in Proverbs 11:5. |
| 7 | Psalms 94:16 → Isaiah 63:5 | The psalmist asks who will rise up for him against the wicked and take a stand for him against the evildoers, as seen in Isaiah 63:5. |
| 8 | Psalms 94:17 → Romans 8:31 | The psalmist expresses his trust in God, knowing that He will ultimately deliver him from his enemies, as seen in Romans 8:31. |
Sermons on Psalms 94
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Evil Men in the Plan of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and desiring Jesus above all else. He discusses the upcoming difficult days that the world will face and reminds th |
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Going Up to Zion by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the presence of God in the worship of Israel. The people of Israel expected and called for a powerful manifestation of God |
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The God of Elijah by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Brian focuses on Psalm 94 and the need for God's vengeance against the wicked. He emphasizes that God is aware of the wickedness and injustice in the world, |
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(Suffering in the Christian Life) 2. the Chastening of the Lord by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God and seeking His guidance directly. He warns against relying solely on the opinions |
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Divine Justice by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his daughter's house being invaded by two strangers. He expresses his anger and fear for his daughter's safety, but also |
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Crossed Over the Line by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Brian begins by reading from Psalm 94, focusing on the theme of God's vengeance and justice. He emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our heart, s |
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And Then the End Shall Come by Billy Strachan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of proclamation and encourages the audience to take control of their destiny. He shares a personal experience of being reminded by |
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God Is Our Refuge by Chuck Smith | In this video, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of seeking refuge in God. He begins by reading from Psalm 94 and emphasizes that God is our ultimate refuge and source of |
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Babies Are Murdered Here (Documentary Trailer) by Jon Speed | This sermon addresses the issue of abortion as a curse and judgment on the nation, questioning the silence and inaction of the church in the face of innocent lives being taken. It |
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(The Royal Psalms) Part 1 by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the kingship of Christ as the foundation for our faith. He emphasizes that every person must begin with the ba |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 94
Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 94 emphasizes the psalmist's cry for justice against the wicked and God's longsuffering nature. Henry notes that the psalmist is not seeking personal vengeance, but rather asking God to rise up and judge the wicked. He also highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and waiting patiently for His justice to be revealed, even in the face of wickedness and oppression. As Henry writes, 'The psalmist's trust in God is not shaken by the prosperity of the wicked, for he knows that God's justice will ultimately be revealed.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The psalmist's cry for justice
The psalmist begins the chapter by crying out to God for justice against the wicked. This highlights the importance of seeking justice and righteousness in our lives.
The wickedness of the wicked
The psalmist describes the wicked as those who oppress the righteous and think they can escape God's judgment. This serves as a warning against the dangers of wickedness and the importance of living a righteous life.
God's longsuffering nature
The psalmist acknowledges that God is slow to anger and abounding in love. This highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and waiting patiently for His justice to be revealed.