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Psalm 94:1a "O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongs..."

Day 38 – Psalm 94

“O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongs…” Psalm 94:1a

THE THOUGHT OF VENGEANCE

What comes to mind when the word “vengeance” is brought up? This theme is the usual fare of Chinese films in years gone by. A typical scenario is that of a child who has seen his parents killed. He then plans and plots to take vengeance on the wicked killers. There may be variations but the storyline is virtually the same. There is little thought about the judicial process. The main thought of the orphaned child is to take revenge on the killers.

DIVINE VENGEANCE

Is Divine vengeance the same as human vengeance? This is the theme of Psalm 94. The psalmist explores the doctrine of God as Divine Judge.

“O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongs-
O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!”
Psalm 94:1

1. “O LORD God”

a) This is a formal address of God.

b) The psalmist does not contemplate personal vengeance.

c) He will not take the law into his own hands.

d) He will not justify the use of violence in his quest for “vengeance”.

2. “To whom vengeance belongs”

a) Twice this statement was made.

b) This is to emphasize the following truths:-

i) “Vengeance” is a valid word.

ii) It is valid to bring this up to the Lord in prayer.

iii) Divine vengeance is not the same as human vengeance.

3. “Shine forth”

a) This is essentially an appeal to God to act on behalf of the oppressed.

b) It is a cry to God to uphold justice.

c) It is a cry to God to let His Presence and His power shine through the darkness of sin.