Psalms 94:1-23

Psalm PSALM—NOTE ON Psalms 94:1. This is a community lament, written for a time when the wicked not only exult (v. Psalms 94:3) but also oppress the faithful (many of whom are socially weak, vv. Psalms 94:5). The wicked do so with no fear of God. The song asks God to protect the faithful, and it strengthens the faithful to endure the oppression. The faithful are reminded of God’s exhaustive knowledge of all that people think, do, and say (vv. Psalms 94:8); of his steadfast love for his own (v. Psalms 94:18); and of his commitment to bring justice by caring for the weak and putting down the wicked. The “wicked” in this psalm are members of God’s people (v. Psalms 94:8) who in their hearts do not believe in the God of the covenant (v. Psalms 94:7). Though such wicked persons were born into the covenant, they are not part of God’s true “people” or “heritage” (vv. Psalms 94:5, Psalms 94:14). They will suffer the full force of God’s judgment.