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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 94:11

Verse 11 11.Jehovah knoweth the thoughts of men, etc. He again insists upon the folly of men in seeking to wrap themselves up in darkness, and hide themselves from the view of God. To prevent them from flattering themselves with vain pretexts, he reminds them that the mists of delusion will be scattered at once when they come to stand in God’s presence. Nothing can avail them, so long as God from heaven stamps vanity upon their deepest counsels. The Psalmist’s design in citing them before the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 94:1-23

Divine retribution certain. The psalm may be distributed under the following heads. I. A PRAYER FOR THE PUNISHMENT OF WICKED OPPRESSORS . ( Psalms 94:1 , Psalms 94:2 .) Probably in anticipation of the Assyrian invasion. II. THE GROUND OF THE PRAYER — THE INSOLENT AND ATHEISTIC SPIRIT OF THEIR CRUEL WORK . ( Psalms 94:3-7 .) They murder the fatherless, and say, "Jehovah seeth not?" III. THE BLINDNESS AND CONTEMPT OF GOD ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 94:8

Understand, ye brutish among the people (comp. Psalms 92:6 ). That there were among God's people some so "brutish" as to suppose that God either did not see or did not regard their misdoings, appears also from Psalms 10:11 , Psalms 10:13 . And ye fools, when will ye be wise? When will ye put away your folly, and allow Wisdom to enter into your hearts? She is always crying in the streets: when will ye consent to listen (comp. Proverbs 1:20-23 )? read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 94:8-10

An argument all should understand. I. ITS NATURE . It is an argument from what we see in ourselves to what exists in God. If God has given to us certain powers, such powers must exist in him. II. ITS FORCE . It is inconceivable that it should be otherwise. A man must have brutalized his soul, and become a fool, not to see this. God is not as man is—the mere employer of force which he does not and cannot create, but he is behind all force, its Creator and Source. III. ITS... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 94:8-11

The appeal to Israel. The oppressors thought that their conduct would not be observed by God, or would not be taken into account. The psalmist appeals to them not to be so brutish and foolish ( Psalms 94:8 ), and argues, from the first principles of natural theology, that God must see and hear ( Psalms 94:9 ). If he chastises the heathen, why should he not also punish them ( Psalms 94:10 )? read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 94:9

He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see? This argument for a real, personal, intelligent God appears here, for the first time. It is of irresistible force. "Can it be possible that God, who planned and made the curious mechanism of hearing and vision, is himself without those faculties, or something analogous to them? Must he not hear those cries, and see those outrages, which men, who are his creatures, see and hear? Is it conceivable... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 94:9-10

From man to God. The argument here is, that whatever powers are found in man are surely found in him who made man. The workman must have in him everything that gains expression in his work. A machine is an embodiment of thought, and the thought is altogether higher than the machine. Here the point is—men hear the cry of the oppressed; men see the sufferings of the godly; then they may be quite sure that God both sees and hears; and they must seek some better explanation of his delayed help... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 94:10

He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? i . e . if God does not leave even the heathen without rebukes and chastisements, shall he not much more punish those among his own people who do amiss? He that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know? Our version supposes an ellipse, which it fills up with great boldness, producing a very excellent sense. But the insertion made does not appear necessary (see the Revised Version). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 94:11

The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man. Not only does the Almighty see and know all the actions of men ( Psalms 94:9 ), but he is even acquainted with their thoughts (comp. Psalms 7:9 ; Psalms 26:2 ; Psalms 139:17 ; Isaiah 66:18 ; 1 Corinthians 3:20 ). That they are vanity (comp. Ecclesiastes 2:14 , Ecclesiastes 2:15 ). read more

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