Psalms 94:1

KJV

¶ O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.

KJV (with Strong's)

O LORD {H3068} God {H410}, to whom vengeance {H5360} belongeth; O God {H410}, to whom vengeance {H5360} belongeth, shew {H3313}{H8685)} thyself.

Complete Jewish Bible

God of vengeance, ADONAI! God of vengeance, appear!

Berean Standard Bible

O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth.

American Standard Version

O Jehovah, thou God to whom vengeance belongeth, Thou God to whom vengeance belongeth, shine forth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 94:1 serves as a fervent and urgent invocation to God, declaring His exclusive prerogative over vengeance and appealing for His visible intervention against injustice. The psalmist, likely representing a community suffering under oppression, cries out to the Sovereign Lord, affirming that only He possesses the inherent right and power to execute righteous judgment and to manifest His justice in a world seemingly dominated by wickedness. This verse sets the tone for a psalm of lament that ultimately expresses confidence in God's active and unwavering commitment to justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 94 opens a communal lament, a genre common in the Psalter where the community or an individual voices distress and appeals to God for deliverance from oppression or injustice. This opening verse immediately establishes God's unique authority as the ultimate Judge, setting the stage for the psalmist's detailed description of the wicked's arrogance and the suffering of the righteous in the subsequent verses. The psalm then transitions from lament to a confident affirmation of God's omniscience and His eventual, certain judgment, contrasting the fleeting power of human oppressors with the eternal reign of the Lord. The initial cry for God to "shew thyself" anticipates the psalm's unfolding argument that God indeed sees, hears, and will act decisively, echoing themes found throughout [the Psalter's calls for divine intervention](/psalms/7-8 "Psalms 7:8 - God Judges the Peoples").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical setting for Psalms 94 is not explicitly stated, the psalm reflects a period of significant internal or external oppression and injustice within Israel. The language used, such as "they crush your people" and "murder the widow and the foreigner" (implied from later verses in the psalm), suggests that the oppressors were likely unrighteous leaders or powerful individuals within Israelite society who exploited the vulnerable. In the Ancient Near East, kings were often seen as agents of divine justice, but ultimately, the gods were the supreme arbiters. Israel's unique monotheistic understanding emphasized YHWH as the sole, ultimate Judge, distinct from human rulers. The plea for God to "shew thyself" echoes the biblical tradition of divine manifestations (theophanies) where God visibly intervened in human affairs, often in judgment or deliverance, reminiscent of His appearance to [Moses at the burning bush](/exodus/3 "Exodus 3 - The Call of Moses").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several core theological themes that resonate throughout the Psalter and the wider biblical narrative. First, it asserts the **Divine Prerogative of Vengeance**, unequivocally stating that "vengeance belongeth" to God alone. This is not human revenge, but God's righteous, judicial retribution against sin and injustice, as seen in [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, and recompense"). Second, it underscores God's **Sovereignty and Justice**, affirming His supreme authority and control over all things, including the final dispensation of justice. He is the just [Judge of all the earth](/genesis/18-25 "Genesis 18:25 - The Judge of All the Earth") who will ultimately set all wrongs right. Third, the plea "shew thyself" is a desperate **Cry for Manifestation**, an urgent request for God to appear, to act decisively, and to reveal His presence and power against the oppressors, vindicating the righteous and demonstrating His active governance of the world, a theme often found in [prophetic calls for divine action](/isaiah/59-16 "Isaiah 59:16 - God's Arm Brings Salvation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **vengeance (Hebrew, _nᵉqâmâh'_):** From H5360, this term refers to divine retribution, righteous judgment, or the just punishment of wrongdoing. When attributed to God, it carries a profound and distinct meaning from human revenge. It is not an act of vindictive malice or personal spite, but rather a necessary expression of God's holiness and justice against sin. God's *nᵉqâmâh* seeks to restore moral order, vindicate the oppressed, and uphold His righteous character in the face of wickedness. It is a judicial act, ensuring that ultimate justice prevails.
* **shew thyself (Hebrew, _yâphaʻ'_):** From H3313, this verb means "to shine," "to be light," "to appear," or "to manifest oneself." It is an urgent imperative, a passionate plea for God to make His presence and power visibly known, specifically in an act of judgment and deliverance. It implies a desire for a tangible, undeniable demonstration of divine intervention, a theophany that will decisively confront the oppressors and bring relief to the suffering. It's a call for God to rise up from perceived inactivity and actively engage with the injustice in the world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O LORD God":** This direct address uses the covenant name of God, YHWH (from H3068, "LORD"), combined with the general term for deity, Elohim (from H410, "God"). This dual invocation emphasizes both God's personal, relational commitment to His people (YHWH) and His universal power and authority as the Creator and Sovereign Ruler (Elohim). It is a cry of profound intimacy and desperate reliance, appealing to God in both His covenant faithfulness and His ultimate might.
* **"to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth":** The striking repetition of this phrase serves to underscore and emphasize the absolute and exclusive right of God to execute vengeance. It is a theological declaration, not merely a descriptive statement. The psalmist is not asking God to *take* vengeance, but to *exercise* what is inherently and uniquely His. This repetition conveys urgency, certainty, and a deep conviction that only God possesses the moral authority and omnipotence required for true, righteous retribution, distinct from any human attempt at revenge.
* **"shew thyself":** This is the core petition of the verse, an urgent imperative. It is a plea for God to manifest His presence and power in a tangible, visible way. In the context of the preceding declaration of God's claim to vengeance, this is a call for a divine appearance that brings judgment upon the wicked and deliverance to the oppressed. It expresses the psalmist's yearning for God to move from a perceived state of hiddenness or inactivity to a public, undeniable demonstration of His justice.

#### Literary Devices
The opening verse of Psalms 94 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the phrase "to whom vengeance belongeth," which is repeated for emphatic effect. This repetition serves to underscore the psalmist's firm conviction in God's sole prerogative and capacity for righteous judgment, building a sense of theological certainty and urgency. The direct address "O LORD God" and "O God" is an example of **Apostrophe**, where the speaker directly addresses an absent or abstract entity, intensifying the personal and desperate nature of the plea. Furthermore, the imperative "shew thyself" functions as a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing to God the human characteristic of appearing or revealing Himself visibly, albeit in a metaphorical sense, to highlight the desired tangible manifestation of His power and justice. The overall tone is one of **Lament** and **Petition**, characteristic of the psalm's genre, expressing deep distress while simultaneously appealing to God's character for intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 94:1 provides a foundational theological truth: God's justice is an inherent and non-negotiable aspect of His character. His claim to vengeance is not a license for arbitrary cruelty, but a declaration of His holiness and righteousness, which cannot tolerate evil indefinitely. This divine prerogative assures believers that ultimate justice will prevail, even when human systems fail or appear indifferent. It also serves as a crucial warning against human attempts to usurp this divine role, reminding us that personal revenge is forbidden because it belongs exclusively to the Lord. Understanding this truth fosters patience, trust, and a deep reliance on God's perfect timing and methods for righting wrongs.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, and recompense")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves")
* [Nahum 1:2](/nahum/1-2 "Nahum 1:2 - God is a jealous and avenging God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often feels overwhelmed by injustice, where the wicked seem to prosper and the innocent suffer, Psalms 94:1 offers profound solace and a clear directive for believers. It calls us away from the temptation to despair, bitterness, or the pursuit of personal retribution, reminding us that the ultimate responsibility for justice rests with the perfectly righteous and omnipotent God. Our role is not to exact revenge, but to patiently endure, to pray for God's intervention, and to live righteously, trusting that He sees every injustice and will, in His perfect timing, "shew himself" to set all things right. This verse cultivates a posture of hopeful expectation, encouraging us to bring our laments before the Lord with confidence in His character, knowing that He is actively engaged in His creation and committed to upholding justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's unique claim to vengeance alter your perspective on personal grievances or societal injustices?**
* **In what ways are you tempted to "take vengeance" into your own hands, and how can the truth of Psalms 94:1 help you resist this temptation?**
* **What does it mean for you to pray for God to "shew thyself" in the face of current injustices, and what actions might accompany such a prayer?**

### FAQ
**Does "vengeance" in Psalms 94:1 imply that God is vindictive or cruel?**

Answer: No, the biblical concept of divine "vengeance" (Hebrew: _nᵉqâmâh_) is fundamentally different from human vindictiveness or cruelty. When applied to God, it refers to His righteous judgment and just retribution against sin and injustice. It is an expression of His holy character, which cannot tolerate evil indefinitely. God's vengeance is always perfectly just, proportionate, and aimed at restoring moral order, vindicating the oppressed, and demonstrating His sovereignty. It is not an act of personal spite but a judicial necessity for a God who is both loving and righteous, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - He is the Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice").

**If vengeance belongs exclusively to God, does that mean believers should do nothing about injustice in the world?**

Answer: No, quite the opposite. While Psalms 94:1 clearly states that ultimate retribution and personal revenge belong to God alone, it does not absolve believers from actively pursuing justice and righteousness in the world. Rather, it frees us from the burden of personal vengeance so that we can engage in other, God-honoring ways. We are called to be agents of God's justice by advocating for the oppressed, speaking truth to power, working for social righteousness, and living lives that reflect God's character. Our efforts should be motivated by love and a desire for righteousness, not by personal animosity. We are to "do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God" ([Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the LORD Requires")). The ultimate act of judgment and vengeance is God's, but our daily lives should be a pursuit of His kingdom and its justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 94:1, with its urgent cry for God to "shew thyself" and exercise His righteous vengeance, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist longed for a divine manifestation of judgment against oppressors, God's primary "showing forth" came not first as a wrathful judge, but as the suffering servant who bore the very vengeance due to humanity's sin. On the cross, Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), absorbed the righteous wrath of God, thus satisfying the divine demand for justice and making atonement for those who believe ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25-26 - God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement")). This act of substitutionary atonement demonstrates that God's vengeance is not arbitrary but rooted in His holiness, and He provided the means for reconciliation. However, Christ will also return as the righteous judge, to "shew himself" in power and glory, to execute vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel ([2 Thessalonians 1:7-8](/2_thessalonians/1-7 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 - The Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven in blazing fire")). The first coming offered a way of escape from divine vengeance; the second coming will bring its full and final manifestation, when He will justly judge the living and the dead, and every knee will bow ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Thus, the psalmist's plea is ultimately answered in the two comings of Christ, establishing Him as the ultimate embodiment of God's justice and the one through whom all wrongs will finally be made right.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 35:4

Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.

Nahum 1:2

¶ God [is] jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and [is] furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth [wrath] for his enemies.

Romans 12:19

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Deuteronomy 32:41

If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.

Deuteronomy 32:42

I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; [and that] with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.

Isaiah 59:17

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance [for] clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

Deuteronomy 32:35

To me [belongeth] vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in [due] time: for the day of their calamity [is] at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.