Psalm 94: The Rock of My Refuge

Psalm 94 asks God to explain why it seems the wicked prosper (vv. –7).

Why do unjust leaders boast of their wickedness, maintaining God is detached and not interested in the affairs of men (vv. 8–11)? In truth, justice will prevail, and right will eventually triumph. David repeatedly asks the Lord, “to whom vengeance belongeth” (v. 1), to rise up and judge the wicked, for they defy Him openly (vv. 2, 7).

How long will the Lord remain silent? The wicked boast of immunity to punishment and seem to sin without penalty (vv. 3, 4). The evildoers are preying on the most vulnerable members of society with seeming impunity (v. 6).

“Weary with the apparent supremacy of evil, the psalmist wonders why God is so slow in manifesting Himself.” How foolish to think the Creator will not require evildoers to ultimately account for their sins. Thinking they are immune from prosecution is arrogance (vv. 8–11). The Son of man will judge humanity in the final judgment, declaring them either righteous or unrighteous (Matthew 25:31–46). Those who have heeded the Lord’s chastisement and accepted His discipline will be known by obedience to His Word.

“If the Christian accepts discipline, he is happy! One of the chief values of chastening is that it gives the afflicted fuller sympathy with others.” The Christian has nothing to fear, resting peacefully in the arms of the Savior (vv. 12–15).

David now personally appeals for relief from those who have risen up against him. The knowledge that the Lord has been merciful in the past sustains him.

The knowledge that God is always near brings comfort to an otherwise stressed mind. David’s enemies have supplanted justice, misapplying the law to justify their evil actions. Despite these injustices, David finds solace in the Rock of Ages.

He trusts God will make all things right, and justice will prevail (vv. 16–23).

“Rock of Ages, cleft for me, / Let me hide myself in Thee; / Let the water and the blood, / From Thy riven side which flowed, / Be of sin the double cure, / Cleanse me from its guilt and power.”