Psalm 94 – Leave All Vengeance to God!
(by Phillips Koh)
In deep distress, the Psalmist cries out to God for vengeance against the evildoers (verse 1). Revenge is usually motivated by personal injury, whereas vengeance seeks for justice by asking God to judge the wicked (verse 2). Romans 12:19 encapsulates the same truth: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves… for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” Do we leave vengeance in God’s sovereign hand no matter how deeply someone has hurt us?
Next, the Psalmist acknowledges the omniscience of God who knows exactly what the wicked are thinking and doing (verses 8-11). Since nothing escapes his attention, God will definitely punish those who even indulge in the murder of the righteous (verse 6). So it is a call for patience here because God will right all wrongs one day. Aren’t we comforted that God will not allow a single unrepentant sinner to escape from his ultimate justice?
Finally, our Psalmist speaks of God as ‘the rock of refuge’ (verse 22), even when human evil reaches its zenith and society totters towards moral collapse. Today, we entertain this mistaken notion that human government should become the saviour of our nation. Such misplaced trust often leads to disappointment because political leaders are tainted by sin too. In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul speaks of Jesus as the only true foundation. So what kind of foundation are you and I resting upon today?
To conclude, like the beginning, the Psalmist also ends with an appeal to God to implement his final justice by banishing the wicked to their perdition (verse 23). Do you and I share the same passionate concern in prayer as well?
Let’s Read Psalm 94
1O Lord , the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth.
2Rise up, O Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve.
3How long will the wicked, O Lord , how long will the wicked be jubilant?
4They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting.
5They crush your people, O Lord ; they oppress your inheritance.
6They slay the widow and the alien; they murder the fatherless.
7They say, “The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.”
8Take heed, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise?
9Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?
10Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches man lack knowledge?
11The Lord knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile.
12Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord , the man you teach from your law;
13you grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked.
14For the Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.
15Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.
16Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?
17Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
18When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your love, O Lord , supported me.
19When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
20Can a corrupt throne be allied with you- one that brings on misery by its decrees?
21They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.
22But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
23He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the Lord our God will destroy them.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, we live in a world where sin and evil appear to triumph, with the wicked persecuting the righteous and showing no fear of God whatsoever. Help us to wait patiently for the execution of your final justice on all wrongdoers. In the Name of Jesus, we pray.
This devotional was kindly contributed by Dr. Chow Li Sze and her channel Heavenly Devotion. You may find the channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/HeavenlyDevotion/videos
About the Heavenly Devotion channel
The Heavenly Devotion channel is dedicated to encouraging you to listen to Bible Scriptures and pray with the Scriptures. They are inspired by the call of service as expressed and exemplified by Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:12-15.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrew 4:12 NKJV)
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