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Psalms 94:16
Verse
Context
The LORD Will Not Forget His People
15Surely judgment will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it. 16Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will stand for me against the workers of iniquity? 17Unless the LORD had been my helper, I would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence.
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
In the fifth strophe the poet celebrates the praise of the Lord as his sole, but also trusty and most consolatory help. The meaning of the question in Psa 94:16 is, that there is no man who would rise and succour him in the conflict with the evil-doers; ל as in Exo 14:25; Jdg 6:31, and עם (without נלחם or the like) in the sense of contra, as in Psa 55:19, cf. Ch2 20:6. God alone is his help. He alone has rescued him from death. היה is to be supplied to לוּלי: if He had not been, or: if He were not; and the apodosis is: then very little would have been wanting, then it would soon have come to this, that his soul would have taken up its abode, etc.; cf. on the construction Psa 119:92; Psa 124:1-5; Isa 1:9, and on כּמעט with the praet. Psa 73:2; Psa 119:87; Gen 26:10 (on the other hand with the fut. Psa 81:15). דּוּמה is, as in Psa 115:17, the silence of the grave and of Hades; here it is the object to שׁכנה, as in Psa 37:3, Pro 8:12, and frequently. When he appears to himself already as one that has fallen, God's mercy holds him up. And when thoughts, viz., sad and fearful thoughts, are multiplied within him, God's comforts delight him, viz., the encouragement of His word and the inward utterances of His Spirit. שׁרעפּים, as in Psa 139:23, is equivalent to שעפּים, from שׂעף, סעף, Arab. š‛b, to split, branch off (Psychology, S. 181; tr. p. 214). The plural form ישׁעשׁעוּ, like the plural of the imperative in Isa 29:9, has two Pathachs, the second of which is the "independentification" of the Chateph of ישׁעשׁע.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
These questions imply that none other than God will help (Psa 60:9),
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who will rise up for me against the evildoers?.... These are the words of the psalmist, representing the church of God, under sore persecutions from the antichristian party; called "evildoers", because of their thefts, murders, idolatries, sorceries, and all manner of wickedness committed by them, Rev 9:21, intimating that she had looked all around her, and could not observe any that she could hope for assistance from, to fight her battles for her with the enemy, and deliver her out of his hands: the Targum is, "who will rise up, for me, to make war with the evildoers?'' what the church here seems to say in a despairing way, the followers of antichrist say in a triumphant and insulting manner; "who is like unto the beast who is able to make war with him?" Rev 13:4, or "who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?" to contend or strive with them, as the Targum; suggesting, that she had no friends to appear for her, that had either courage or strength to engage in such a warfare; her case was like that of the oppressed, Solomon speaks of, Ecc 4:1, or the Apostle Paul's, when none stood with him; but all forsook him, excepting the Lord, Ti2 4:16 and so here the church had none to rise up, and stand by her, but the Lord; Michael, the great Prince that stands for the children and people of God, and who is a match for all the enemies of his church; and he will rise and stand up for them, and fight their battles; and overcome the beast and false prophet, with the kings of the earth, Dan 12:1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
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).
Psalms 94:16
The LORD Will Not Forget His People
15Surely judgment will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it. 16Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will stand for me against the workers of iniquity? 17Unless the LORD had been my helper, I would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Champions Arise
By Lewis Gregory46048:53Christian LifePSA 94:16MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of David and Goliath from the Bible. He emphasizes that despite facing giants in our lives, we must see the truth and know it as it is. David's three older brothers were assigned to fight in the battle against Goliath, but they were terrified and turned away. However, David, though not looking, feeling, or acting like a champion, knew he had a commission from God and stepped up to the challenge. The speaker also mentions the importance of having a higher purpose and determination, as seen in the story of Eric Little.
America Needs a Slap in the Face
By Shane Idleman1703:25AwakeningConfronting Sin2CH 7:14PSA 94:16PRO 28:13ISA 5:20JER 6:15MAT 5:14ROM 12:2GAL 6:7EPH 5:141TI 4:2Shane Idleman passionately addresses the urgent need for America and the church to awaken from their slumber of unrepentant sin and moral decay. He emphasizes that many justify their sinful actions, leading to a divisive and angry society. Idleman calls for boldness in confronting evil, particularly regarding issues like abortion, and urges a return to biblical principles in governance. He likens the need for awakening to the jarring sound of an alarm clock, stressing that it is time to speak out against injustices and stand firm in faith. The sermon serves as a wake-up call to both individuals and the nation to recognize and repent from their wrongdoings.
The Veil of Deception: Truth Is Not a Conspiracy Theory
By Shane Idleman1342:20Spiritual WarfareDiscernmentPSA 94:16ISA 33:6Shane Idleman addresses the pervasive veil of deception affecting society, emphasizing that truth is not a conspiracy theory but a necessity for discernment in turbulent times. He urges the church to speak boldly against the cultural and political issues that threaten God-given freedoms, advocating for wisdom and knowledge as the foundation for stability. Idleman highlights the importance of being watchful and proactive in defending truth, especially when it comes to the rights of the innocent and the integrity of God's character. He calls for a revival of humility, brokenness, and dependence on God, encouraging believers to engage in prayer and fasting as a means to combat spiritual battles. Ultimately, he reminds the congregation that the church must be the moral conscience of the nation, standing firm against injustice and deception.
"Kill Them!"
By Jill Briscoe0PSA 94:16PRO 31:8ISA 1:17MAT 5:10HEB 13:3Jill Briscoe delivers a powerful sermon on standing up against injustice and oppression, drawing parallels between the courage of Festo in speaking out against the cruel killings under Amin's regime and the persecution faced by Archbishop Luwum. Despite the threats and dangers, Festo bravely followed in Jesus' steps, preaching against the misuse of power and the atrocities being committed. The story unfolds with intense moments of fear, torture, and ultimately, the tragic death of Archbishop Luwum, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by those who stand up for truth and justice.
The Reformation of Manners
By John Wesley0ReformationUnity Against SinPSA 94:16MAT 5:14John Wesley preaches on the necessity of uniting against wickedness and the importance of the Church's role in opposing the works of darkness. He emphasizes that true members of the Church should actively engage in reforming society and combating sin, rather than indulging in it. Wesley recounts the historical efforts of the Society for Reformation of Manners, which successfully addressed various societal vices, and calls for renewed commitment to this cause. He stresses that those who wish to engage in such reform must possess faith, courage, and love, and act with humility and sincerity. Ultimately, Wesley urges all believers to rise up and contribute to the fight against ungodliness for the glory of God and the good of humanity.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
In the fifth strophe the poet celebrates the praise of the Lord as his sole, but also trusty and most consolatory help. The meaning of the question in Psa 94:16 is, that there is no man who would rise and succour him in the conflict with the evil-doers; ל as in Exo 14:25; Jdg 6:31, and עם (without נלחם or the like) in the sense of contra, as in Psa 55:19, cf. Ch2 20:6. God alone is his help. He alone has rescued him from death. היה is to be supplied to לוּלי: if He had not been, or: if He were not; and the apodosis is: then very little would have been wanting, then it would soon have come to this, that his soul would have taken up its abode, etc.; cf. on the construction Psa 119:92; Psa 124:1-5; Isa 1:9, and on כּמעט with the praet. Psa 73:2; Psa 119:87; Gen 26:10 (on the other hand with the fut. Psa 81:15). דּוּמה is, as in Psa 115:17, the silence of the grave and of Hades; here it is the object to שׁכנה, as in Psa 37:3, Pro 8:12, and frequently. When he appears to himself already as one that has fallen, God's mercy holds him up. And when thoughts, viz., sad and fearful thoughts, are multiplied within him, God's comforts delight him, viz., the encouragement of His word and the inward utterances of His Spirit. שׁרעפּים, as in Psa 139:23, is equivalent to שעפּים, from שׂעף, סעף, Arab. š‛b, to split, branch off (Psychology, S. 181; tr. p. 214). The plural form ישׁעשׁעוּ, like the plural of the imperative in Isa 29:9, has two Pathachs, the second of which is the "independentification" of the Chateph of ישׁעשׁע.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
These questions imply that none other than God will help (Psa 60:9),
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who will rise up for me against the evildoers?.... These are the words of the psalmist, representing the church of God, under sore persecutions from the antichristian party; called "evildoers", because of their thefts, murders, idolatries, sorceries, and all manner of wickedness committed by them, Rev 9:21, intimating that she had looked all around her, and could not observe any that she could hope for assistance from, to fight her battles for her with the enemy, and deliver her out of his hands: the Targum is, "who will rise up, for me, to make war with the evildoers?'' what the church here seems to say in a despairing way, the followers of antichrist say in a triumphant and insulting manner; "who is like unto the beast who is able to make war with him?" Rev 13:4, or "who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?" to contend or strive with them, as the Targum; suggesting, that she had no friends to appear for her, that had either courage or strength to engage in such a warfare; her case was like that of the oppressed, Solomon speaks of, Ecc 4:1, or the Apostle Paul's, when none stood with him; but all forsook him, excepting the Lord, Ti2 4:16 and so here the church had none to rise up, and stand by her, but the Lord; Michael, the great Prince that stands for the children and people of God, and who is a match for all the enemies of his church; and he will rise and stand up for them, and fight their battles; and overcome the beast and false prophet, with the kings of the earth, Dan 12:1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
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).