(1) Overview
(Kel Ps) The psalmist calls on the LORD to render vengeance on the proud who have wickedly oppressed the righteous, expressing his confidence that the LORD will not forsake his people but will deliver them when he destroys those who have no part with the LORD’s righteousness.
(2) Outline
(2) Outline
(Kel Ps)
I. Speaking on behalf of the people, the psalmist calls on the LORD to take vengeance on the proud who have wickedly oppressed and afflicted the righteous (1–7).
A. He calls on the LORD (to whom vengeance belongs) to render to the proud the punishment they deserve (1–2).
B. He laments the oppression the proud have insolently inflicted on them (3–7).
especially the needy and the oppressed (4–7).
I. Speaking on behalf of the people, the psalmist calls on the LORD to take vengeance on the proud who have wickedly oppressed and afflicted the righteous (1–7).
A. He calls on the LORD (to whom vengeance belongs) to render to the proud the punishment they deserve (1–2).
B. He laments the oppression the proud have insolently inflicted on them (3–7).
especially the needy and the oppressed (4–7).
II. The psalmist warns the proud to consider their foolish ways, because the LORD, who fully knows their deeds, will not forsake his people (8–15).
A. He calls on the wicked to consider their folly (8–11).
B. He expresses his confidence that God will deliver his people from the wicked (12–15).
III. The psalmist confidently announces that the righteous LORD will deliver his people and bring retribution to the wicked (16–23).
A. He praises the LORD for deliverance, preservation, and comfort (16–19):
1. Only the LORD can deliver as he has done before (16–17).
2. The LORD has protected and preserved his people along the way (18).
3. The LORD comforts them in their thoughts (19).
B. He confidently anticipates the vindication of the believers and the divine retribution against the wicked (20–23).
(3) Key verses
94:16 Who will rise up to defend me against the wicked?
Who will stand up for me against the evildoers?
(NET) The questions anticipate the answer, “No one except God” (see v. 17).
Yes, we saw there are human rules and judges from v.20, 21, but they make oppressive laws, conspire against the blameless and condemn the innocent. Only God would uphold justice.
Who will stand up for me against the evildoers?
(NET) The questions anticipate the answer, “No one except God” (see v. 17).
Yes, we saw there are human rules and judges from v.20, 21, but they make oppressive laws, conspire against the blameless and condemn the innocent. Only God would uphold justice.
94:18 If I say, “My foot is slipping,”
your loyal love, O LORD, supports me.
94:19 When worries threaten to overwhelm me,
your soothing touch makes me happy.
Notice how the author went through emotional change. "The foot slipping is a frequent figure for the lack of stability and confidence in a time of trouble...his anxious thoughts were so numerous that he was nearly overwhelmed with doubts and despair. (Kel Ps)." Then the loyal love of God supported him and His soothing touch came upon him. His emotion changed and he was happy.
your loyal love, O LORD, supports me.
94:19 When worries threaten to overwhelm me,
your soothing touch makes me happy.
Notice how the author went through emotional change. "The foot slipping is a frequent figure for the lack of stability and confidence in a time of trouble...his anxious thoughts were so numerous that he was nearly overwhelmed with doubts and despair. (Kel Ps)." Then the loyal love of God supported him and His soothing touch came upon him. His emotion changed and he was happy.
Reflection: When we try to find help, justice, protection from mankind we often fail. Accompanied with these were the emotion of despair and anxiety. Today's psalm reminds me to look at God's love and His soothing touch. Our emotions will change immediately.
Audrey
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