One might say that this psalm too falls into two parts, one of which praises the greatness of the Lord while the second, as a warning to new generations...
One might say that this psalm too falls into two parts, one of which praises the greatness of the Lord while the second, as a warning to new generations, recalls their sins. Yet the song need not be divided into components, for all its words are interconnected.
The words “we are the people of His pasture” should be recognized as the connecting knot that gives the psalm its integrity. Biblical revelation contains no abstract philosophical notion that He is by Himself and we are by ourselves. No, He does not look upon us coldly; to Him we are neither dust nor a collection of elementary particles. If the Lord prevents us from entering the place to which He Himself wants to lead us, it means that for the moment our sins make us unable to enter it. Yet it is precisely because we are not inanimate bricks that can be used for building anywhere that He is demanding toward us.
In His demands we must see one of the most important manifestations of His love for us.
94 The danger and folly of persecuting the children of God, Psa 94:1-11. Assurance given to the persecuted, that God will deliver them, Psa 94:12-23.
94:4 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.
94:7 Of Jacob - He who takes that name to himself, but has no regard to his people.
94:9 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.
94:10 Know - Mens thoughts and words and actions.
94:11 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.
94:12 Blessed - Those afflictions which are accompanied with Divine instructions are great and true blessings.
94:15 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.
94:16 Rise - To defend and help me. I looked hither and thither, but none appeared; God alone helped me.
94:17 Dwelt - In the place of silence, the grave.
94:19 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.
94:20 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.