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94:1–23 Psalm 94 is a corporate lament psalm (meant for group settings) that calls for Yahweh’s retribution against the oppressors of His people. The psalmist begins by petitioning Yahweh to take vengeance on the proud (vv. 1–2). He describes the wicked oppressors, who are part of Yahweh’s people, who exploit their fellow Israelites (vv. 3–7). The psalmist expresses outrage regarding this injustice, and he criticizes the belief of the oppressors that they will escape Yahweh’s punishment (vv. 8–11). The psalmist then extols Yahweh’s discipline (vv. 12–13) and asserts that Yahweh will bring justice (vv. 14–15). Finally, he shows confidence that Yahweh knows about the evil of the wicked, and that he will eventually destroy them (vv. 16–23). |
Types of Psalms Table
94:1–3 The psalmist begs Yahweh to act in retribution against the wicked. |
94:1 vengeance Refers to thorough retribution.
Retribution HBD
Retribution EDB
shine forth The psalmist asks God to display His character and power.
94:2 O Judge of Refers to an official who settles legal matters. The psalmist is appealing to Yahweh’s perfect justice, requesting that it come soon.
94:3 How long The psalmist employs a rhetorical question to appeal to Yahweh’s justice.
94:4–7 Not only do the wicked defy Yahweh’s laws, they mock Yahweh’s ability to punish them. |
94:4 unrestrained The Hebrew word used here, athaq, describes speaking in an unrestrained or impudent manner.
94:5 your inheritance Since the people of Israel belong to Yahweh (see Exod 3), mistreating them is an especially serious offense. See note on Psa 47:4.
Inheritance EDB
Inheritance DBI
94:6 The ot presents widows, sojourners (foreigners), and orphans as particularly vulnerable to exploitation (Exod 22:21–24; Deut 14:29; 16:11; compare Jer 7:6). Since these groups are not included in the patrilineal system, they had no property rights and lacked many legal rights but were to be protected, in line with Yahweh’s values (e.g., Deut 10:18–19; 14:28–29; 16:11–12; 24:17). The Israelites’ treatment of these vulnerable people represented the ethical health of the nation.
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widow The Hebrew text here refers to a woman
whose husband has died, or a woman without a male in her family who can inherit family property.
Widow NBD
Widow HBD
stranger The Hebrew word used here, ger, describes a resident alien in Israel; as non-Israelites, foreigners were outside of social power structures and vulnerable to injustice.
Foreigner NBD
Sojourner EDB
Alien, Foreign Resident DOT: P
orphans Orphans were cut off from inheritance rights in a patriarchal society if they were not of age to take over the estate.
Orphan NBD
Orphan EDB
94:7 does not pay attention This verb sets up a rhetorical wordplay with the very beginning of Ps 94:8.
94:8–11 The psalmist warns the evildoers that Yahweh knows everything they do and that He will eventually hold them accountable for their actions. |
94:8 You pay attention The psalmist reverses the insult of v. 7 and turns it against the wicked. Compare note on v. 7.
fools Refers to people characterized by insolence toward Yahweh.
94:9 not hear The psalmist further responds to the insult that Yahweh does not perceive what the evildoers do (v. 7); Yahweh, the creator of the ear and eyes, hears and sees everything.
94:10 the one who instructs The word yasar used here means “to instruct” and “to chastise” (see v. 12).
94:11 the thoughts of The psalmist asserts that God knows the intentions or plans of the wicked.
to no purpose The word hevel (“breath” or “vapor”) used here is often used figuratively for absurdity or senselessness. See note on Eccl 1:2.
94:12 law The Hebrew word used here, torah, can refer either to the ot law or to instruction in general.
Law NBD
Torah HBD
94:13 a pit Can also refer to a trap or grave.
Pit HBD
Pit NBD
94:14 his inheritance The Hebrew word used here, nachalah, refers to the people of Israel. See note on Ps 47:4.
94:15 judgment Refers to a decision or judgment in a legal dispute.
Justice Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words
Justice, of God ZDBT
94:16–23 These verses compose a statement of trust in Yahweh and predict Yahweh’s vengeance on wicked rulers. The final section of the psalm depicts incredibly corrupt rulers. |
94:19 your consolations The psalmist finds encouragement in God’s comfort.
94:20 one that forms trouble based on statute Focuses on corrupt legislation.
94:21 the blameless The psalmist portrays the injustice against the innocent in the strongest possible terms: The Hebrew phrase used here, dam naqi, literally means “innocent blood.”
94:22 my high stronghold Describes high walls or a rocky fortress. See note on 9:9.
my rock of refuge The psalmist uses the metaphors in this verse to emphasize Yahweh’s strength against the wicked.
94:23 he will repay on them The psalmist envisions a symmetry between the crimes of the wicked rulers and their punishment.
he will destroy them The Hebrew word used here, tsamat, emphasizes the certainty of the future destruction of the wicked rulers.
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About Faithlife Study BibleFaithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text. |
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