Psalms 94:10

Psalms 94:10 (KJV) powerfully asserts God's ultimate authority, justice, and omniscience. The verse poses rhetorical questions to underscore the undeniable truth that if God disciplines nations and imparts knowledge to humanity, He most certainly possesses perfect understanding and the ability to discern and correct all actions.

Context

Psalm 94 is a fervent plea for divine justice amidst widespread oppression and injustice. The psalmist cries out against those who boast in their wickedness and afflict God's people, questioning why the Lord seems to delay in judgment. Verses 8-9 directly precede this verse, challenging the foolish and brutish who deny God's ability to see or hear. Verse 10 builds upon this, using unassailable logic to affirm God's absolute perception and power, serving as a foundational argument for God's eventual intervention and righteous judgment.

Key Themes

• Divine Justice and Correction: The first part of the verse, "He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct?", highlights God's role as the supreme judge over all nations (the goyim or Gentiles). If God actively disciplines and corrects entire peoples for their wrongdoing, how much more will He address the specific injustices committed against individuals or within His own covenant people? This speaks to God's active involvement in the world's moral order and His commitment to executing justice.
• God's Omniscience and Source of Knowledge: The second part, "he that teacheth man knowledge, [shall not he know]?", emphasizes God as the ultimate wellspring of all wisdom and understanding. Every piece of knowledge, every insight, and every capacity for learning that humanity possesses originates from Him. The rhetorical question drives home the point: if God imparts knowledge, then He Himself must possess infinite and perfect knowledge. This affirms God's omniscience and His complete awareness of all thoughts, intentions, and deeds, whether hidden or overt (1 John 3:20).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "chastiseth" is yasar (יָסַר), which means to discipline, instruct, correct, or admonish. It implies not just punishment but also guidance and training, much like a parent corrects a child. This suggests God's actions towards nations are not merely punitive but also aimed at instruction and leading them towards righteousness. The term "heathen" refers to goyim (גּוֹיִם), meaning "nations" or "gentiles," often used in the Old Testament to denote non-Israelite peoples. The phrase "teacheth man knowledge" underlines God's role as the ultimate instructor, the one who instills intellectual capacity and understanding in human beings.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound comfort and a sobering warning. For those who feel oppressed or witness rampant injustice, it provides assurance that God, who oversees and judges entire nations, is fully aware of every wrong. His justice may seem slow, but it is certain, and He will ultimately correct all things. For those who act unjustly or believe their deeds are hidden, the verse serves as a powerful reminder that God knows all. There is no thought or action beyond His perfect knowledge. It encourages believers to live righteously, knowing they are accountable to a God who is both perfectly just and all-knowing. Moreover, it invites us to humbly acknowledge God as the source of all true wisdom and to seek His guidance in all matters, trusting in His infinite understanding (Proverbs 2:6).