God Who Avenges (Psalm 94)

Are there basically two paths in life, following the wicked or the upright in heart? Where do those two choices lead? Let’s look at Psalm 94.

Does God, as judge of the earth, avenge us against the proud and wicked?

The Lord is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth. Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve. How long, Lord, will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant? (Ps 94:1-3 NIV)

Do the words and actions of the proud and wicked reveal who they really are?

They utter speech, and speak insolent things; All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves. They break in pieces Your people, O Lord, And afflict Your heritage. They slay the widow and the stranger, And murder the fatherless. Yet they say, “The Lord does not see, Nor does the God of Jacob understand.” (Ps 94:4-7 NKJV)

Again do we find the use of ad hominem, a personal attack, calling people fools, which is appropriate if the persons being addressed are the problem?

Think again, you fools! When will you finally catch on? Is he deaf—the one who made your ears? Is he blind—the one who formed your eyes? He punishes the nations—won’t he also punish you? He knows everything—doesn’t he also know what you are doing? The Lord knows people’s thoughts; he knows they are worthless! (Ps 94:8-11 NLT)

We know that the wicked are faulty but aren’t we all? Don’t we all need God’s discipline? Is the difference that some learn, while others reject it?

Blessed is the man whom you discipline, Yah, and teach out of your law, that you may give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit is dug for the wicked. For Yahweh won’t reject his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. For judgment will return to righteousness. All the upright in heart shall follow it. (Ps 94:12-15 WEB)

Do we trust that there is someone in heaven who will stand up for us against wicked evildoers?

Who will stand up for me against the wicked? Who will help me against evildoers? If the Lord hadn’t helped me, I would live instantly in total silence. Whenever I feel my foot slipping, your faithful love steadies me, Lord. When my anxieties multiply, your comforting calms me down. (Ps 94:16-19 CEB)

Is God opposed to dishonest lawmakers who legislate against the lives of innocent victims?

But you are opposed to dishonest lawmakers who gang up to murder innocent victims. You, Lord God, are my fortress, that mighty rock where I am safe. You will pay back my enemies, and you will wipe them out for the evil they did. (Ps 94:20-23 CEV)

While persecution is not something any of us chooses, can we rejoice that God uses it to enormously bless those who suffer?

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Mat 5:10-12 ESV)

Are there basically two paths in life, following the wicked or the upright in heart? Where do those two choices lead? You decide!