Psalms 94

The whole tenor of this psalm indicates that it was written at a time when the kingdom of Judah was sorely pressed by heathen enemies. The loud cry for immediate vengeance (Psalms 94:1) comes from the depth and imminence of the public danger, while Psalms 94:3-4; Psalms 94:14-15, show it to have been now already of long standing. The power that oppressed them was impious and cruel, (Psalms 94:5-6; Psalms 94:20-21,) and its language toward Jehovah specially irreverent and blasphemous. Psalms 94:7-11. Against their impiety and oppression the author sustains himself and the people with hope and confidence drawn from a deeper insight into the moral ends of providence, (Psalms 94:12-16,) and the conscious comforts of divine communion and help. Psalms 94:18-19; Psalms 94:22-23. At the time of the last invasion and siege of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans, which lasted eighteen months, (2 Kings 25:1-4,) the land had already suffered two invasions, resulting in two deportations of captives of the flower of the nation; the royal treasury had been robbed, and the temple itself despoiled of its golden furniture; while the people had lain under tribute now for eighteen years. As Psalm xciv seems clearly to belong to this period, and as no mention is made of the destruction of the city or temple, though a long period of outrage and contemptuous impiety on the part of their oppressors is mentioned, it seems not improbable that during these last days of the kingdom the psalm was penned, to provide some antidote to despair when the fatal blow should finally fall. Psalms 79, 74 should follow in order, which see. But the application of this psalm is not to be restricted to the occasion which prompted it. It belongs to the Church in all ages struggling against her enemies.