Psalm 94
Theme
The LORD Will Not Forsake His People
Outline
1-3, Confidence and a Question 4-7, The Arrogance of the Wicked Killers 8-11, The Lord Sees, Hears, and Knows 12-15, The Lord Teaches and Will Not Forsake 16-19, The Lord’s Help and Consolation 20-23, A Question and Confidence
Key Verse
(94:14) The LORD will not cast off His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance. (94:1) O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongs—O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!
Notes
Psalm 94 begins and ends with confident statements that God will “return upon” the wicked what they deserve (94:2, 23). The confidence at the beginning is followed by a “how long?” question, and the assurance articulated at the end is likewise preceded by a question (94:3, 20). Within these opening and closing statements of confidence and related questions (94:1–3, 20–23), the psalmist outlines the arrogance of wicked killers (94:4–7), a section balanced by his need for and reliance upon Yahweh (94:16–19). The central sections of the psalm assert Yahweh’s full knowledge and justice (94:8–11) and the blessedness of those whom he teaches (94:12–15).