Jamieson–Fausset–Brown CommentaryPsalms 94

PSALM 94

Psa 94:1-23. The writer, appealing to God in view of the oppression of enemies, rebukes them for their wickedness and folly, and encourages himself, in the confidence that God will punish evildoers, and favor His people.

1-2. God's revenge is His judicial infliction of righteous punishment. show thyself--(Compare Margin).

3-4. In an earnest expostulation he expresses his desire that the insolent triumph of the wicked may be ended.

5-6. thy people [and] thine heritage--are synonymous, the people being often called God's heritage. As justice to the weak is a sign of the best government, their oppression is a sign of the worst (De 10:18; Is 10:2).

7. Their cruelty is only exceeded by their wicked and absurd presumption (Psa 10:11; 59:7).

8. ye brutish--(Compare Psa 73:22; 92:6).

9-11. The evidence of God's providential government is found in His creative power and omniscience, which also assure us that He can punish the wicked in regard to all their vain purposes.

12-13. On the other hand He favors though He chastens, the pious, and will teach and preserve them till the prosperous wicked are overthrown.

14-15. This results from His abiding love (De 32:15), which is further evinced by His restoring order in His government, whose right administration will be approved by the good.

16. These questions imply that none other than God will help (Psa 60:9),

17-19. a fact fully confirmed by his past experience. dwelt in silence--as in the grave (Psa 31:17).

20. throne--power, rulers. iniquity [and] mischief--both denote evils done to others, as Psa 94:21 explains.

22-23. Yet he is safe in God's care. defence--(Psa 59:9). rock of ... refuge--(Psa 9:9; 18:2).