Psalms 94
FBMeyerPsalms 94:1-5
the Lord Who Ruleth over All Psalms 93:1-5; Psalms 94:1-5 It is thought that these two psalms date from the Assyrian invasion in Hezekiah’ s time, and that the psalmist compares the strength of Sennacherib and his hosts to the mighty breakers of the sea. But they well befit all times of anxiety and opposition. It is interesting to remember, also, that these and the six psalms which follow have always been applied by the Jews to the days of the Messiah. Surely, then, we may apply them to our own time. It is an infinite comfort to know that above and beyond all that distresses and hinders the Church or our individual lives, there exists the great fact of our Lord’ s sovereignty. This encourages us in conflict and makes us steadfast and unmovable. We can almost hear the dash of successive breakers with foam and fury around the throne of God, which, however, stands without a tremor. The miracle of Jesus in quieting the storm has a symbolic and far-reaching meaning. He is in our hearts, in the world, and in His Church, as it is tossed on the surface of the storm-swept water-“ and Jesus rules the waves.” He must vindicate the law of righteousness and save His people.
Thy mercy held me up This Psalm belongs to the same era as the foregoing one. The mention made of the throne of iniquity (Psalms 94:20) seems to indicate that the Chaldean empire had already arisen and taken up a threatening attitude against the people of God. Still there is no mention made as yet of the destruction of the temple or of the leading into captivity. Therefore, perhaps, the land had not been overrun by the invader.
Luther says: “This Psalm is a prayer of all the pious children of God and of spiritual people against their persecutors. Thus it may be used by all such from the beginning to the end of the world.”
Psalms 94:1. God, to whom vengeance belongeth God’s vengeance includes the vindication of the eternal law of righteousness and also of his downtrodden people. We seem to hear already the cry of the martyred saints, “How long, O Lord, holy and true!” (Revelation 6:10). This confident anticipation of God’s ultimate decision on the behalf of his down-trodden people is very characteristic of these Psalms.
Psalms 94:5. They afflict thine heritage We are God’s heritage, as He is ours. Alas! That after so much culture we return such a poor revenue (Deuteronomy 32:9).
Psalms 94:7. They say, The Lord shalt not see Wicked men are ostrich-like (Psalms 10:11; Psalms 59:7).
Psalms 94:8-11. When will ye be wise? The Psalmist reasons with those who are both hard of heart and dull of understanding.
Psalms 94:12. Blessed is the man whom Thou chastenest What a schooling is this; and what a Teacher! The discipline is severe, but the pupils turn out well, and derive lasting blessedness and rest. Better chastisement than “adversity” (Psalms 94:13).
Psalms 94:14. The Lord will not cast off neither forsake God cannot be surprised by anything He discovers in us. He knew all when He began to love us. The tenacity of his love to his chosen people is a strong encouragement to all the seed (Malachi 2:16; John 10:28).
Psalms 94:16. Who will rise up for me? This verse is answered by the next two.
Psalms 94:19. My thoughts … Thy comforts Turn from anxious care to the bosom of thy God, till thy soul begins to sing with holy delight.
Psalms 94:22-23. The Lord is my defence We may very well possess our souls in patience, and not be disturbed by the plottings of our foes. Their time is short, their end sure. But oh the pity that they should incur such a fate at the hands of the God of love!
Psalms 94:6-23
the Lord Our Defense against Evil-Doers Psalms 94:6-23 Let us ponder all the great things that God will do for them that trust Him. He planted the ear, and will detect the sigh, sob, or broken utterance of His child, Psalms 94:9. He formed the eye, and He knows our sorrows. He watches the sparrow’ s fall, and His child is of more value than many sparrows. He corrects us; shall we not be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live, Psalms 94:10? He knows our thoughts; let us ask Him to purify and restrain them, Psalms 94:11. He teaches out of His Law; let us be diligent students of the Scriptures, Psalms 94:12. He will neither cast us off nor forsake us, Psalms 94:14. The Lord is our help, and the soul that trusts Him shall not be silenced, Psalms 94:17. He holds us up when our foot slips, Psalms 94:18. Whatever thoughts may startle or affright us, God has a comfort suited to counteract each of them. His comforts delight the soul. They bring joy and hope with them, Psalms 94:19. He defends us against the charges laid at our door, and is a rock on which we may stand steadily, amid the seething waters, Psalms 94:22. If God be for us, who can be against us, or who can separate us from His love? Romans 8:31.
Thy mercy held me up This Psalm belongs to the same era as the foregoing one. The mention made of the throne of iniquity (Psalms 94:20) seems to indicate that the Chaldean empire had already arisen and taken up a threatening attitude against the people of God. Still there is no mention made as yet of the destruction of the temple or of the leading into captivity. Therefore, perhaps, the land had not been overrun by the invader.
Luther says: “This Psalm is a prayer of all the pious children of God and of spiritual people against their persecutors. Thus it may be used by all such from the beginning to the end of the world.”
Psalms 94:1. God, to whom vengeance belongeth God’s vengeance includes the vindication of the eternal law of righteousness and also of his downtrodden people. We seem to hear already the cry of the martyred saints, “How long, O Lord, holy and true!” (Revelation 6:10). This confident anticipation of God’s ultimate decision on the behalf of his down-trodden people is very characteristic of these Psalms.
Psalms 94:5. They afflict thine heritage We are God’s heritage, as He is ours. Alas! That after so much culture we return such a poor revenue (Deuteronomy 32:9).
Psalms 94:7. They say, The Lord shalt not see Wicked men are ostrich-like (Psalms 10:11; Psalms 59:7).
Psalms 94:8-11. When will ye be wise? The Psalmist reasons with those who are both hard of heart and dull of understanding.
Psalms 94:12. Blessed is the man whom Thou chastenest What a schooling is this; and what a Teacher! The discipline is severe, but the pupils turn out well, and derive lasting blessedness and rest. Better chastisement than “adversity” (Psalms 94:13).
Psalms 94:14. The Lord will not cast off neither forsake God cannot be surprised by anything He discovers in us. He knew all when He began to love us. The tenacity of his love to his chosen people is a strong encouragement to all the seed (Malachi 2:16; John 10:28).
Psalms 94:16. Who will rise up for me? This verse is answered by the next two.
Psalms 94:19. My thoughts … Thy comforts Turn from anxious care to the bosom of thy God, till thy soul begins to sing with holy delight.
Psalms 94:22-23. The Lord is my defence We may very well possess our souls in patience, and not be disturbed by the plottings of our foes. Their time is short, their end sure. But oh the pity that they should incur such a fate at the hands of the God of love!