Book of Psalms - Chapter 94 - Verse 1
Meaning
The verse "O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself." speaks to the belief that vengeance ultimately belongs to God. In this verse, the psalmist is calling upon God to show Himself and enact justice on behalf of the righteous. It reflects a deep-seated trust in God's righteousness and ability to bring about justice in a world filled with injustice. The psalmist is expressing a desire for God to intervene in situations where there is wrongdoing and to bring about retribution for those who have been wronged. This verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and power to right all wrongs in His own time and in His own way. It is a plea for divine justice and a recognition that ultimately, God is the one who will bring about true justice and judgment.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself," it is important to consider the concept of God's justice and righteousness. The phrase "vengeance belongeth" emphasizes God's authority and sovereign right to mete out justice. In this context, the psalmist is calling upon God to reveal His righteousness by avenging His people against their enemies. The word "vengeance" here conveys the idea of just retribution for wrongdoing, highlighting God's role as the ultimate judge who will bring about justice in His own time and in His own way.
Furthermore, a word study of the term "vengeance" can shed light on its implications in this verse. The Hebrew word used for "vengeance" is "nakam," which refers to the act of avenging or exacting punishment for a wrong committed. This word underscores the seriousness of the psalmist's plea for God to intervene on behalf of His people and demonstrate His righteous judgment. By invoking this term, the psalmist acknowledges God's authority to execute justice and calls for His intervention in a situation that requires divine intervention.