Psalm 94:1-23
Q.1. What are the hallmarks of the wicked? Why are they senseless and unwise? What do they overlook? – (Ps.94:1-11)
The Psalmist asked why God delays in recompensing the wicked. (Ps.94:1-3). He identified the wicked as those who boast about their strength, while crushing the defenceless, such as widows, orphans, and foreigners (Ps.94:4-6). These people imagine no one sees their wicked schemes (Ps.94:7). They overlook the crucial fact that God sees it all – 9 He who planted the ear, does He not hear? He who formed the eye, does He not see? 10 He who chastens the nations, will He not rebuke, even He who teaches man knowledge? 11 The Lord knows the thoughts of man … (Ps.94:9-11). They live for now and foolishly do not factor in eternity. That makes them arrogant and unwise (Ps.94:4 & 8).
Q.2. Why does the Lord discipline His children? What assurance does a good man have during days of calamity? – (Ps.94:12-16)
Everyone, even the righteous, is subject to the chastening of the Lord. God acts for our benefit – Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O Lord, and whom You teach out of Your law (Ps.94:12). We, His children, have the assurance that we will not be abandoned or consigned to the pit -That You may grant him relief from the days of adversity, until a pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not abandon His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance (Ps.94:13-14). The righteous learn from God’s discipline, and understand that these days will not last forever, since God is a good God. They are confident that evildoers will not ultimately prevail (Ps.94:15-16).
Q.3. In what way and under what circumstances does the Lord protect His own? – (Ps.94:17-23)
The Psalmist bore testimony to the Lord’s protection and comfort. God helps His own when they slip and fall and will not allow worries to overwhelm them – When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul (Ps.94:19 c.f. Ps.94:17-19). He provides precious deliverance and consolation. In fact, the Psalmist declared the impossibility for God to align Himself with mischief or destruction of the righteous (Ps.94:20-21 c.f. Mk.3:23-26). He testified that – the Lord has been my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge (Ps.94:22). He was confident that the Lord would bring the mischief of the wicked back upon themselves (Ps.94:23).