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
They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless (comp. Isaiah 1:17-23 ; Isaiah 10:2 ; Ezekiel 22:6-9 ; Malachi 3:5 ; also Psalms 10:8-10 ). read more
Yet they say, The Lord shall not see (comp. Psalms 10:11 , Psalms 10:13 ). Foreign enemies did not suppose that Jehovah would not see, but trusted that their own gods were stronger than he, and would protect them ( 2 Kings 18:33-35 ). Neither shall the God of Jacob regard it. "The God of Jacob" would not be a natural expression in the mouth of Israel's foreign foes. They knew nothing of Jacob. But it was an expression frequently used by Israelites ( Genesis 49:24 ; Psalms 20:1 ; ... read more
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
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
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
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
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
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 94:1-7
The cry for vengeance. Israel is suffering oppression—not, however, from foreign enemies, but from domestic tyrants ( Psalms 94:4-6 ). Innocent blood is shed; the widow and the orphan are trodden down. God, it is supposed, will not see or will not regard ( Psalms 94:7 ). The psalmist, therefore, cries out to God to manifest himself by taking signal vengeance on the evil doers ( Psalms 94:1 , Psalms 94:2 ). read more