But the Lord is my defense ... - In all these purposes of the wicked; in all that they do - whether under the form and sanction of law Psalms 94:20, or by the excitement of passion - my trust is still in God. He is able to interpose in either case, and I may confidently commit my cause to him. On the language used here, as well as the sentiment, see the notes at Psalms 18:2. read more
And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity - The consequences of their sin. He shall punish them as they deserve. See the notes at Psalms 7:16.And shall cut them off in their own wickedness - As the result of their wickedness, and while they are engaged in perpetrating acts of sin.Yea, the Lord our God shall cut them off - Expressing, by the repetition of the sentiment, the utmost confidence that this would be so. This is in accordance with the prayer with which the psalm opens, and is... read more
A.M. 2944. B.C. 1060. The matter of this Psalm plainly declares the occasion of it to have been the oppressions and persecutions of God’s people by wicked and cruel enemies, against whom the psalmist prays for divine aid. The latter Greeks ascribe it to David, and it is thought to be an exact description of Saul and his courtiers, who abused their authority to all manner of oppression and violence, especially against David, without any fear of God, or thoughts that he would call them to an... read more
Psalms 94:1-4. O God, to whom vengeance belongeth To whom, as the supreme Judge of the world, the patron and protector of the righteous, and the declared enemy of all wickedness and wicked men, and to whom alone it belongs to take revenge on those who oppress thy people when they should protect them; show thyself Make thy justice conspicuous, by speedily avenging thine elect, and rendering a recompense to their enemies. Lift up thyself To punish thy proud enemies. Be exalted in thine... read more
Psalms 94:5-7. They afflict thy heritage Those righteous persons whom thou hast chosen for thy portion or inheritance. They slay the widow, &c. Whom common humanity obliged them to spare, pity, and relieve. Yet they say, The Lord shall not see Their meeting with impunity and prosperity in their impious and barbarous practices makes them ready to doubt, or to deny, the providence of God in the government of his church and of the world. Neither doth the God of Jacob regard it Though... read more
Psalms 94:8-9. Understand, ye brutish Hebrew, בערים , bognarim; ye who are governed by your lusts and appetites, as the word signifies; who have only the shape, but not the understanding, reason, or judgment of men in you, or are not directed and governed thereby; who, though you think yourselves the wisest of men, yet, in truth, are the most brutish of all people; he that planted the ear The word planted (Hebrew, נשׂע , notang) is very emphatical, signifying the excellent structure... read more
Psalms 94:10. He that chastiseth Or, He that instructeth, or teacheth, or reproveth (as the word יסר , jasar, often signifies, and is rendered Proverbs 9:7; Isaiah 8:11, &c.) the heathen, the Gentiles, or nations of the world: not only the Jews, but all other people, all mankind, as the next clause explains it; shall not he correct? He who, when he pleases, can and does punish the nations of the world, is he not able to punish you for your wicked speeches and actions? Or, ... read more
Psalms 94:11. The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man This is an answer to the foregoing question, Shall not he know? Yes, he knoweth all things, yea, even the most secret things, as the thoughts of men; and in particular your thoughts, and much more your practices, which you supposed he did not see, Psalms 94:6-7. And he knows that they are generally vain and foolish; and that, while you applaud yourselves in such thoughts, you do not benefit, but only delude yourselves with them. read more
Psalms 94:12-13. Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest Not he that prospers in his wickedness is happy, but he whom the Lord chasteneth when he acts amiss, and thereby teaches to study and obey his law with the greater care and diligence. That thou mayest give him rest, &c. For the present and short troubles of the righteous prepare them for, and lead them to, true rest and blessedness, while the seeming felicity of the wicked makes way for those tremendous judgments which God hath... read more
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Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 94:21
They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous - Against the life of the righteous; that is, to take their lives. The Hebrew word rendered “gather together,” means to press or crowd upon anyone; to rush in crowds or troops. It would refer particularly to a tumultuous gathering - “a mob” - intent on accomplishing its purpose.And condemn the innocent blood - literally, make guilty; that is, they hold that blood to be guilty; or, they treat the innocent as if they were guilty. read more