FRAMEWORKS:
Psa 94: A Judicial Assessment
[Preliminary
Comments: The unnamed psalmist confronts the wicked
of the world with the truth – God is The Judge who will deal with
all wickedness. He states this truth [v.1] and calls the Lord
to come as judge [v.2]. He points out the need that is here [v.3],
detailing the wrongs of the wicked [v.4-7] and he rebukes the
wicked for their folly in not seeing that the Lord sees them and
will deal with them [v.8-11]. He thanks the Lord for teaching
him right ways [v.12,13] and affirms that He is here to stand
for His people [v.14,15]. He recognises his own need of the Lord
if he is to stand against the wicked [v.16,17] and he knows that
when he felt insecure, the Lord had been there for him [v.18,19]
so that even though corruption exists [v.20,21] the Lord will
deal with it [v.22,23]. A Judicial Statement of one of the roles
of God.]
v.1,2
God the justice bringer
v.1
The
Lord
is
a God who avenges.
O God who avenges, shine forth.
v.2
Rise
up, Judge of the earth;
pay back to the proud what they deserve.
v.3
Yet the psalmist draws the Lord's attention to the wicked
v.3
How
long, Lord,
will the wicked,
how long will the wicked be jubilant?
v.4-7
He points out four things they do
v.4
They
pour out arrogant words;
all the evildoers are full of boasting.
v.5
They crush your people, Lord;
they oppress your inheritance.
v.6
They slay the widow and the foreigner;
they murder the fatherless.
v.7
They say, ‘The Lord
does
not see;
the God of Jacob takes no notice.'
v.8-11
He rebukes the wicked for not realising the Lord sees and knows
all
v.8
Take
notice, you senseless ones among the people;
you fools, when will you become wise?
v.9
Does
he who fashioned the ear not hear?
Does he who formed the eye not see?
v.10
Does
he who disciplines nations not punish?
Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge?
v.11
The
Lord
knows
all human plans;
he knows that they are futile.
v.12,13
He thanks the Lord for His teaching, His discipline
v.12
Blessed
is the one you discipline, Lord,
the one you teach from your law;
v.13
you
grant them relief from days of trouble,
till a pit is dug for the wicked.
v.14,15
He affirms the Lord's presence as Judge
v.14
For
the Lord
will
not reject his people;
he will never forsake his inheritance.
v.15
Judgment
will again be founded on righteousness,
and all the upright in heart will follow
it.
v.16,17
In opposing the wicked we need the Lord's help
v.16
Who
will rise up for me against the wicked?
Who will take a stand for me against
evildoers?
v.17
Unless
the Lord
had
given me help,
I would soon have dwelt in the silence
of death.
v.18,19
We may feel insecure but the Lord is there for us
v.18
When
I said, ‘My foot is slipping,'
your unfailing love, Lord , supported
me.
v.19
When
anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy.
v.20,21
In this fallen world corruption still exists
v.20
Can
a corrupt throne be allied with you –
a throne that brings on misery by its
decrees?
v.21
The
wicked band together against the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.
v.22,23
Yet the Judge is still here and will deal with them
v.22
But
the Lord
has
become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
v.23
He
will repay them for their sins
and destroy them for their wickedness;
the Lord our God will destroy them.
[Additional Comments:
The psalm comes as a warning to the wicked that the Lord
comes as a judge of all and will deal with all forms
Continue
to Psa 95