Psalm 94

Psalm 94 – A Prayer for Vengeance on the Cruel

1Lord, God of vengeance,

God of vengeance, shine forth.

2Rise up, judge of the earth,

pay back the proud what they deserve.

3Lord, how long shall the wicked,

how long shall the wicked exult,

4with their blustering arrogant words,

their braggart and wicked speech,

5crushing your people, Lord,

and afflicting your heritage,

6murdering widows and strangers,

slaying the fatherless?

7They think that the Lord does not see,

nor the God of Jacob regard it.

8Take heed, you dullest of people;

when will you be wise, you fools?

9Is he deaf, who shaped the ear?

Is he blind, who fashioned the eye?

10Can he who trains nations not punish them

he who teaches knowledge to people?

11The Lord knows the thoughts of people,

that only a breath are they.

12Happy are those whom you chasten,

and teach out of your law,

13keeping them calm in the day of misfortune,

till a pit be dug for the wicked.

14For the Lord will not leave his people,

he will not forsake his inheritance.

15For the righteous shall come to their rights,

and all true-hearted people shall follow them.

16Who will rise up for me against those who do evil?

Who will stand up for me against workers of wrong?

17Were it not for the help of the Lord,

I would soon have gone to the silent grave.

18When I thought that my foot was slipping,

your kindness, Lord, held me up.

19When with cares my heart was crowded,

your comforts make me glad.

20Can corrupt justice be your ally,

framing mischief by statute?

21They assail the life of the righteous,

and innocent blood condemn.

22But the Lord is my sure retreat,

my God is the rock of my refuge.

23He will bring back their sin upon them,

for their wickedness he will destroy them;

the Lord our God will destroy them.