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Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 94:1

O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth ... - Margin, God of revenges The idea is, that it pertains to God to take vengeance, or to punish for crimes. See the notes at Romans 12:19. The appeal here is made to God in view of the crimes committed by others, and which are referred to in the subsequent part of the psalm. God is addressed as having the right to restrain and punish wicked people, and he is asked to interpose and assert that right in a case which clearly demanded it. The appeal is... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 94:2

Lift up thyself - Be exalted or lifted up so as to be manifest in thy true character. The idea is that God was, as it were, sitting at his ease, or as if he were indifferent to what was occurring in the world. See the notes at Psalms 3:7.Thou Judge of the earth - Ruler of the world; to whom it pertains to exercise judgment over all classes of people, and in all circumstances. The meaning here is, that as he was the Ruler of the whole earth, this matter came without doubt under his jurisdiction.... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 94:3

Lord, how long shall the wicked ... - As if there were to be no end to their exaltation; their joy; their success. How long would God allow this? How long would he sit by and see it done? Was he disposed to let them go on forever? Would he never interpose, and arrest them in their career? How often do we wonder that God does not interpose! How often does it seem inexplicable that a Being of almighty power and infinite goodness does not interfere with respect to the wickedness, the oppression,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 94:4

How long shall they utter and speak hard things? - The word rendered utter means to pour forth - as water from a fountain; to pour forth copiously. The meaning is, that they seemed to be full, and that they poured forth evil words as a fountain pours forth water. The phrase “hard things” means proud, unfeeling, insolent things; things which are unjust, unkind, severe, harsh.And all the workers of iniquity boast themselves? - Boast of their power and their success. How long shall they be... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 94:5

They break in pieces thy people - They tread down; they grind; they crush. The Hebrew word is often used as meaning to crush under foot; to trample on; and hence, it means to oppress. Lamentations 3:34; Isaiah 3:15.And afflict - To wit, by oppression and wrong. If this refers to foreigners, it means that they did this by invasion and by the ravages of war.Thine heritage - Thy people, regarded as an inheritance or possession. See Psalms 28:9, note; Psalms 33:12, note; Psalms 68:9, note; Psalms... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 94:6

They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless - To do this is everywhere represented as a special crime, and as especially offensive to God from the fact that these classes are naturally feeble and unprotected. See the notes at Isaiah 1:17; Psalms 68:5; Psalms 82:3. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 94:7

Yet they say - By their conduct; or, they seem to say.The Lord shall not see - In the original, יה Yâhh. This is an abbreviation of the word יהוה Yahweh. See Psalms 68:4, note; Psalms 83:18, note. On the impious sentiment here expressed, see the notes at Psalms 10:11.Neither shall the God of Jacob regard it - Implying that God was indifferent to the conduct of people; that he would not punish the wicked; that sinners have nothing to fear at his hand. This sentiment is very common still, either... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 94:8

Understand, ye brutish among the people - See Psalms 73:22. The meaning here is, “You who are like the brutes; you who see and understand no more of the character and plans of God than the wild beasts of the desert.” The meaning is, that they did not employ their reason in the case; they acted like beasts, regardless of the consequences of their conduct - as if God would treat people as he does the beasts; as if there were no retribution in the future world.And ye fools, when will ye be wise? -... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 94:9

He that planted the ear - He that made the ear. The word here used in the original is a participle. “Shall not he planting the ear;” that is, the “planter” of the ear. The idea seems to have been taken from the act of making a “hole” in the ground when we set out a plant - as if, in like manner, a “hole” had been made in the side of the head to insert the ear.Shall he not hear? - He could not have created the faculty of hearing, without possessing it himself. Or, it is reasonable to suppose... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 94:10

He that chastiseth the heathen - More literally, “Shall not the Reprover of nations - shall he not chastise - he that teaches man knowledge?” The idea is, that God exercises a government over the nations of the earth; that he has them under his control; that he brings heavy judgments on them; that he thus conveys great lessons to man. And shall not such a Being, in individual cases, reprove and correct for sin? It is assumed here that God, in fact, brings judgments on nations; that he does this... read more

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