Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 94
Verses 1-23
PSALM 94
Ps 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).
Verses 2
2. Lift up thyself—or, "Arise," both figures representing God as heretofore indifferent (compare Ps 3:7; 22:16, 20).
Verses 3
3, 4. In an earnest expostulation he expresses his desire that the insolent triumph of the wicked may be ended.
Verses 4-5
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; Isa 10:2).
Verses 6-7
7. Their cruelty is only exceeded by their wicked and absurd presumption (Ps 10:11; 59:7).
Verses 8
8. ye brutish—(Compare Ps 73:22; 92:6).
Verses 9
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.
Verses 10-12
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.
Verses 13-14
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.
Verses 15-16
16. These questions imply that none other than God will help (Ps 60:9),
Verses 17
17-19. a fact fully confirmed by his past experience.
dwelt in silence—as in the grave (Ps 31:17).
Verses 18-19
19. my thoughts—or, anxious cares.
Verses 20
20. throne—power, rulers.
iniquity [and] mischief—both denote evils done to others, as Ps 94:21 explains.
Verses 21-22
22, 23. Yet he is safe in God's care.
defence—(Ps 59:9).
rock of … refuge—(Ps 9:9; 18:2).
Verses 23
23. bring … iniquity—(Compare Ps 5:10; 7:16).
in their … wickedness—while they are engaged in evil doing.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.