Psalm 94 Bible Commentary

John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes

(Read all of Psalm 94)

Verse 4

[4] How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?

Utter — Or pour forth freely, constantly, abundantly, as a fountain doth waters (so this Hebrew word signifies.) Hard things - Insolent, and intolerable words against thee and thy people.

Verse 7

[7] Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.

Of Jacob — He who takes that name to himself, but has no regard to his people.

Verse 9

[9] He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?

Planted — The word is emphatical, signifying the excellent structure of the ear, or the several organs belonging to the sense of hearing.

Formed — By which word he intimates the accurate and curious workmanship of the eye.

Verse 10

[10] He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?

Know — Mens thoughts and words and actions.

Verse 11

[11] The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.

Thoughts — Yes, he knoweth all things, even the most secret things, as the thoughts of men; and in particular your thoughts; much more your practices.

Verse 12

[12] Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;

Blessed — Those afflictions which are accompanied with Divine instructions are great and true blessings.

Verse 15

[15] But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.

But — God will declare himself to be a righteous judge, and will again establish justice in the earth.

Follow — They will all approve of it, and imitate this justice of God in all their actions.

Verse 16

[16] Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?

Rise — To defend and help me. I looked hither and thither, but none appeared; God alone helped me.

Verse 17

[17] Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.

Dwelt — In the place of silence, the grave.

Verse 19

[19] In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.

Thoughts — While my heart was filled with various and perplexing thoughts, as this Hebrew word signifies.

Comforts — Thy promises, and the remembrance of my former experience of thy care and kindness.

Verse 20

[20] Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?

Shall — Wilt thou take part with the unrighteous powers of the world who oppress thy people.

A law — By virtue of those unrighteous decrees which they have made.