RISE UP, O JUDGE

PSALM 94

Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render punishment to the proud

(Ps. 94:2).

It is not surprising that many people are taken aback by the forceful words of Psalm 94, which call for vengeance against the enemies of Israel. Some interpreters try to wrest meanings from such psalms that are less harsh; they imagine the psalmist doesn’t really mean what he says. But the psalmist does intend to call down judgment from heaven against the godlessness and wickedness that abound in the world. He loves the righteousness of the Lord, and he loves God’s people; therefore, he hates sin, which stands in opposition to God and His eternal statutes. So the psalmist prays that God rise up and render punishment to the proud. “When the wicked then indulge in unrestrained excesses, we are to remember that God can never cease to assert His character as the judge of the earth who takes vengeance upon iniquity,” Calvin wrote. The psalmist appeals to God’s righteousness as he charges his enemies before the tribunal of the Lord.

These enemies are workers of iniquity who attack God’s church and put the stranger, widow, and orphan to death—the very people God commands us to protect. Their wickedness is so profound that the psalmist appeals to God’s justice. Calvin said, “As the Lord’s people had formerly to endure the heavy trial of seeing the church subjected to this wild tyranny and misrule, we should account it no strange thing to see the church suffering still under miserable and misgovernment, or positive oppression, but should pray for help from God, who, though He [permits] wickedness for a time, eventually comes to the deliverance of His children.”

The psalmist knows that God will judge the earth, that no matter how deluded these people are, or how many times they claim that God does not see their evil deeds, the Lord will exercise justice. This serves as a severe warning to those who continue in sin, who think God does not see their wickedness. God knows their ways and will “cut them off in their own wickedness” (v. 23). But God will bless those who humble themselves and put their faith in Christ, repenting of their sins and submitting to God’s rule in their lives. “For the Lord will not cast off His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance” (v. 14).

CORAM DEO

Psalms 56–58

Acts 28

WEEKEND

Psalms 59–64

Romans 1

Read through this psalm again. What is your initial response? How is this psalm applicable today? Exercise caution in adapting this psalm to your life and in calling for God’s judgment. Pray for justice and for mercy. Pray also for forgiveness for the wicked God uses to chasten you.

For further study: 1 Sam. 2:1–3 • Prov. 15:8–9 • Jer. 17:5–10 • 1 Cor. 3:20

WEEKEND