Psalms 94:5

KJV

They break in pieces thy people, O LORD, and afflict thine heritage.

KJV (with Strong's)

They break in pieces {H1792}{H8762)} thy people {H5971}, O LORD {H3068}, and afflict {H6031}{H8762)} thine heritage {H5159}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They crush your people, ADONAI, they oppress your heritage.

Berean Standard Bible

They crush Your people, O LORD; they oppress Your heritage.

American Standard Version

They break in pieces thy people, O Jehovah, And afflict thy heritage.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 94:5 serves as a profound lament within a psalm that passionately appeals to God for justice against the wicked. It vividly portrays the severe oppression and violent affliction endured by God's chosen people, underscoring the depth of their suffering and the audacious disregard of their tormentors for divine authority. This verse intensifies the psalmist's plea, highlighting the direct assault not merely on a group of individuals, but on those uniquely identified as the Lord's own treasured possession and inheritance, thereby building a compelling case for God's righteous intervention and ultimate vindication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 94:5 is strategically placed within a powerful communal lament that transitions from a fervent call for divine vengeance (Psalm 94:1-2) to a detailed description of the wicked's arrogance and actions (Psalm 94:3-7). The verses immediately preceding it, such as [Psalm 94:3](/psalms/94-3 "Psalm 94:3 - The Boasting of the Wicked") and [Psalm 94:4](/psalms/94-4 "Psalm 94:4 - The Arrogance of the Workers of Iniquity"), introduce the boastful and oppressive nature of the ungodly, who speak "hard things" and "boast themselves." Verse 5 then escalates this portrayal by detailing the direct, violent impact of their actions on God's people, setting the stage for the psalmist's subsequent theological arguments for God's omniscience and inevitable judgment (Psalm 94:8-11) and the ultimate comfort and vindication of the righteous (Psalm 94:12-15). It is a pivotal verse that grounds the abstract complaints in concrete suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalm 94 does not specify a particular historical event, its themes resonate with periods of intense oppression faced by Israel, whether from foreign invaders, corrupt internal leadership, or societal injustice. The language of "thy people" and "thine heritage" firmly roots the victims within the covenant community of Israel, emphasizing their unique relationship with Yahweh. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king was expected to protect his people, especially the vulnerable. Thus, the psalmist’s appeal to the "LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant God) is a direct challenge to God's perceived inaction, invoking His covenant responsibilities as the divine King and Judge. The suffering described likely encompasses not only physical violence but also systemic injustice, economic exploitation, and social marginalization, common forms of affliction in societies where power was often abused.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 94:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **suffering of the righteous**, a recurring motif in the Psalms, where the faithful often endure hardship at the hands of the wicked, prompting cries for divine intervention. Secondly, the identification of the victims as "thy people, O LORD" and "thine heritage" underscores the profound concept of **God's covenant relationship** with Israel. This terminology, echoing passages like [Exodus 19:5](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession") where Israel is called God's "peculiar treasure," emphasizes that an attack on them is an affront to God Himself, implicitly calling for His defense. Lastly, the verse serves as a foundational element in the psalm's pervasive theme of **divine justice**. By vividly depicting the injustice, the psalmist builds a compelling case for God, the ultimate Judge, to "rise up" and execute righteousness, as implored in [Psalm 94:2](/psalms/94-2 "Psalm 94:2 - God, the Judge, Arise!"), reminding believers that despite apparent impunity, God's righteous judgment will ultimately prevail.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Break in pieces (Hebrew, _dākaḵ_):** This verb (דכך) conveys a powerful sense of crushing, bruising, or utterly destroying. It is used to describe severe physical violence, often implying a complete subjugation or demolition of the victim. In the context of Psalm 94:5, it suggests a brutal, systematic, and comprehensive assault on the very fabric and well-being of God's people, far beyond mere inconvenience or minor affliction. It speaks to a deliberate act of breaking down, both physically and spiritually.
* **Afflict (Hebrew, _ʿānâ_):** The verb (ענה) carries the meaning of humbling, oppressing, or causing suffering and pain. It can denote physical hardship, emotional distress, or social degradation. Unlike _dākaḵ_ which emphasizes destruction, _ʿānâ_ focuses on the act of bringing someone low, making them suffer, or putting them in a state of servitude or distress. When paired with "break in pieces," it paints a comprehensive picture of both violent assault and ongoing, debilitating oppression.
* **Heritage (Hebrew, _naḥălâ_):** This noun (נחלה) refers to an inheritance, possession, or property. In the biblical context, it is frequently used to describe Israel as God's special inheritance or treasured possession (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:9](/deuteronomy/32-9 "Deuteronomy 32:9 - Israel, the Lord's Portion")). This term signifies a deep, intimate, and proprietary relationship between God and His people. The attack on "thine heritage" is thus not merely an attack on a group of people, but a direct affront to God's own valued possession and His covenant relationship with them, intensifying the psalmist's appeal for divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They break in pieces thy people, O LORD,"**: This first clause identifies the perpetrators ("They") as anonymous but clearly distinct from God's people, acting with extreme violence ("break in pieces"). The direct address "O LORD" (Yahweh) is crucial, immediately bringing God into the lament and highlighting that the victims are not just any people, but "thy people"—those belonging to the sovereign God of the covenant. This emphasizes the personal nature of the offense against God Himself.
* **"and afflict thine heritage."**: This second clause functions as a synonymous parallel to the first, reinforcing the severity of the oppression. "Afflict" reiterates the suffering, while "thine heritage" serves as a powerful synonym for "thy people," underscoring God's unique ownership and cherished relationship with Israel. The repetition of God's possession ("thy people," "thine heritage") serves to amplify the outrage and the expectation that God, as the rightful owner and protector, will act to defend what is His.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 94:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and afflict thine heritage") echoes and intensifies the meaning of the first clause ("They break in pieces thy people, O LORD"). "Thy people" is paralleled by "thine heritage," both emphasizing God's unique claim, while "break in pieces" is paralleled by "afflict," both describing severe suffering. This parallelism deepens the sense of the comprehensive and brutal nature of the oppression. The phrase "O LORD" is a direct **Apostrophe**, a rhetorical device where the speaker addresses an absent person or personified thing, in this case, God, making the lament intensely personal and direct. The language itself uses **Vivid Imagery**, particularly in "break in pieces," which evokes a strong, visceral sense of destruction and violence, allowing the reader to grasp the depth of the suffering. Finally, the verse contributes to the overall **Lament** genre of Psalm 94, articulating the complaint and setting the stage for the plea for divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 94:5 stands as a stark reminder of the reality of suffering and injustice in a fallen world, particularly for those who identify with God. Theologically, it affirms God's intimate relationship with His people, viewing their affliction not as an isolated event but as a direct assault on His own "heritage." This verse underscores the biblical truth that God is not indifferent to the cries of the oppressed; rather, His character as a righteous Judge demands a response to such egregious violations. It highlights the tension between the present reality of wicked prosperity and the ultimate certainty of divine justice, prompting believers to bring their laments before the sovereign Lord who sees, hears, and will ultimately act.

* [Deuteronomy 32:9](/deuteronomy/32-9 "Deuteronomy 32:9 - Israel, the Lord's Portion")
* [Exodus 3:7](/exodus/3-7 "Exodus 3:7 - God Sees Israel's Affliction")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 94:5 resonates deeply with believers across generations who have experienced or witnessed the brutal realities of injustice and oppression. It provides a voice for those who feel crushed, afflicted, and forgotten by the systems of the world. This verse reminds us that our suffering is seen by God, and that our identity as "His people" and "His heritage" means that our pain is personal to Him. In a world where evil often seems to triumph and justice is delayed, this psalm encourages us to bring our honest laments and cries for intervention directly to the Lord. It fosters a trust that despite appearances, God is not silent or indifferent; He is the righteous Judge who will ultimately vindicate His own, ensuring that no act of violence against His beloved goes unnoticed or unpunished. While we are called to love our enemies and not seek personal vengeance, we can rest in the assurance that God’s perfect justice will prevail, providing ultimate comfort and hope amidst present trials.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Psalm 94:5 validate your experience or observation of injustice and suffering in the world today?**
* **What does it mean to you personally that you are considered part of God's "people" and "heritage," and how does that understanding impact your view of suffering?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to bring your laments and cries for justice directly to God, rather than despairing or seeking personal retribution?**

### FAQ

**Why does God allow His people to suffer, as described in Psalm 94:5?**

Answer: Psalm 94:5 articulates the psalmist's lament over the apparent allowance of suffering, rather than providing a theological explanation for it. The Bible acknowledges that God's people do suffer in a fallen world, often at the hands of the wicked. This suffering is not necessarily a sign of God's disfavor, but rather a consequence of living in a world marred by sin and evil. The psalmist's cry is a plea for God to intervene and demonstrate His justice, affirming that while God permits suffering for a time, He is not indifferent to it. The psalm ultimately expresses confidence that God sees the affliction of His people (as seen in [Exodus 3:7](/exodus/3-7 "Exodus 3:7 - God Sees Israel's Affliction")) and will ultimately act to bring justice and vindication.

**Who are "thy people" and "thine heritage" in this context?**

Answer: In the immediate context of the Old Testament, "thy people" and "thine heritage" refer specifically to the nation of Israel. These terms emphasize Israel's unique covenant relationship with God, where they were chosen and set apart as His special possession (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People to the Lord")). They were God's inheritance, a people He had redeemed and with whom He had made a covenant. The psalmist uses these terms to underscore that the attack on Israel is an attack on God's own cherished possession, thereby strengthening the plea for divine intervention and protection.

**How does this verse relate to the call for vengeance?**

Answer: Psalm 94:5 is part of a psalm that begins with a direct call for God to "show thyself" and "judge the earth" (Psalm 94:1-2), implying a desire for divine vengeance against the wicked. The verse itself describes the wicked's actions that necessitate such a judgment. It is a cry for God's justice, not a call for individuals to take personal vengeance. The biblical principle, as articulated in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God"), is that vengeance belongs to the Lord. The psalmist is appealing to God, the righteous Judge, to execute His justice, recognizing that human efforts at retribution are often flawed and insufficient. The verse validates the righteous indignation felt when injustice occurs but directs the plea for ultimate justice to God alone.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 94:5, with its poignant depiction of God's people being broken and afflicted, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "suffering servant" (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant")), who perfectly identified with and bore the affliction of God's people, ultimately being "broken in pieces" on the cross for their sake. Jesus did not merely observe suffering; He entered into it fully, becoming the ultimate "heritage" of God who was afflicted, yet without sin. His cry from the cross, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (as found in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), echoes the profound lament of the psalmist, embodying the depth of human suffering and the apparent abandonment by God. However, Christ's suffering was redemptive, leading to His resurrection and ultimate triumph over evil, sin, and death. Through His sacrifice, He established a new covenant people—the Church—who are now God's "heritage" (as described in [1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). Jesus is the one who will ultimately bring true justice, as He is appointed by God to judge the living and the dead ([Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus Appointed Judge")). His return will mark the final vindication of all His elect, ensuring that every tear is wiped away and every injustice is rectified, fulfilling the psalmist's longing for a righteous Judge who will never forsake His heritage ([Luke 18:7-8](/luke/18-7 "Luke 18:7-8 - God Will Avenge His Elect")).

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 3:15

What mean ye [that] ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

Psalms 79:2

The dead bodies of thy servants have they given [to be] meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.

Psalms 79:3

Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and [there was] none to bury [them].

Jeremiah 22:17

But thine eyes and thine heart [are] not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do [it].

Revelation 11:3

¶ And I will give [power] unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

Psalms 7:2

Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending [it] in pieces, while [there is] none to deliver.

Micah 3:2

Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones;