Rise up, O Judge of the earth;This phrase calls upon God as the ultimate Judge, a role He consistently fulfills throughout Scripture. The concept of God as Judge is rooted in His sovereignty and righteousness, as seen in
Genesis 18:25, where Abraham refers to God as the Judge of all the earth. The plea for God to "rise up" suggests a desire for immediate divine intervention and justice, reflecting the psalmist's trust in God's ability to discern and act rightly. This invocation is a reminder of God's omnipotence and His ultimate authority over all creation, emphasizing that no earthly power can rival His judgment.
render a reward to the proud.
The request for God to "render a reward" to the proud highlights the biblical principle of divine retribution, where God repays individuals according to their deeds. The "proud" are often depicted in Scripture as those who are arrogant and self-reliant, opposing God's will and authority.Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride precedes destruction, indicating the inevitable downfall of the proud. This phrase underscores the moral order established by God, where humility is exalted, and pride is punished. It also foreshadows the ultimate judgment at the end of times, as described inRevelation 20:12, where all will be judged according to their works. The call for justice against the proud aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God opposing the proud but giving grace to the humble (James 4:6).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Judge of the EarthThis title refers to God, who is seen as the ultimate authority and arbiter of justice. In the context of the psalm, God is called upon to act against the wicked and the proud.
2.
The ProudThis term refers to those who are arrogant and self-exalting, often in opposition to God's will and righteousness. The psalmist seeks divine justice against such individuals.
3.
The PsalmistThe author of the psalm, who is calling upon God to act. The psalmist represents the faithful who are seeking God's intervention in a world filled with injustice.
Teaching Points
God as the Ultimate JudgeRecognize that God is the supreme authority who will ultimately judge all actions and intentions. Trust in His perfect justice.
The Danger of PrideUnderstand that pride is a serious sin that leads to downfall. Cultivate humility and seek God's grace to avoid the pitfalls of arrogance.
Prayer for JusticeLike the psalmist, we should pray for God's justice to prevail in our lives and in the world, trusting that He will act in His perfect timing.
Living RighteouslyIn a world where pride and injustice seem prevalent, commit to living according to God's standards, knowing that He sees and rewards righteousness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 94:2?
2.How does Psalm 94:2 encourage us to trust in God's righteous judgment?
3.What actions can we take to align with God's justice in Psalm 94:2?
4.How does Psalm 94:2 connect with God's justice in Romans 12:19?
5.How can we apply the call for justice in Psalm 94:2 today?
6.In what ways does Psalm 94:2 challenge our understanding of divine justice?
7.How does Psalm 94:2 address the concept of divine justice?
8.Why does Psalm 94:2 emphasize God as the "Judge of the earth"?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 94:2?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 94?
11.Why does Micah 2:3 predict calamity without specifying verifiable events or a known historical timeline?
12.Psalm 75:2 speaks of God's perfect timing in judgment, yet history is filled with prolonged injustices; why does justice appear delayed or absent?
13.Psalm 48:2: How can Jerusalem be 'the joy of the whole earth' if archaeological and historical records suggest it was often besieged and destroyed?
14.(Psalm 24:2) How can the earth be literally 'founded on the seas' when modern science shows it is not supported by water?What Does Psalm 94:2 Mean
Rise up“Rise up” signals an urgent plea for God to act without delay. The psalmist is not doubting God’s presence; he is longing for a visible intervention that matches God’s promises.
•Psalm 7:6 echoes the same cry—“Arise, O LORD, in Your anger; rise up against the rage of my adversaries”—showing that believers throughout history have called on God to step in when injustice seems unchecked.
•Psalm 9:19, “Rise up, O LORD, let man not prevail,” reminds us that God’s timing may stretch our patience, but His response is certain.
•Romans 13:11–12 confirms that God’s action often comes at the moment it will glorify Him most and awaken His people to holy living.
O Judge of the earthBy calling God “Judge,” the psalmist appeals to His perfect character:
•Genesis 18:25—“Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”—anchors the confidence that every verdict from God is righteous.
•Psalm 50:6 declares, “the heavens proclaim His righteousness, for God Himself is judge,” underlining that creation itself testifies to His authority.
•Isaiah 33:22 combines roles—“For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king”—assuring us that the One who sets the standard also enforces it.
Because God is Judge, His intervention is never haphazard; it aligns perfectly with His holiness and covenant faithfulness.
render a reward to the proud“Render a reward” is both comfort and warning. Comfort, because arrogance will not stand forever; warning, because pride invites God’s direct opposition.
•Proverbs 3:34, echoed inJames 4:6 and1 Peter 5:5, states, “He mocks the mockers but gives grace to the humble,” showing a consistent biblical pattern: humility draws favor; pride draws recompense.
•Psalm 18:27 promises, “You save an afflicted people, but You humble those with haughty eyes,” assuring believers that God’s justice sets things right by reversing earthly power imbalances.
•Revelation 18 portrays ultimate judgment on human pride, proving that the “reward” is as literal as the judgment of Babylon.
God’s “reward” is not impulsive retaliation but measured justice that vindicates the oppressed and exposes the self-exalting.
summaryPsalm 94:2 is a confident appeal to God’s righteous character. The cry “Rise up” rests on faith that the Lord acts decisively; the title “Judge of the earth” affirms His universal authority; and the request to “render a reward to the proud” trusts His unfailing commitment to humble the arrogant and defend the faithful. This verse energizes believers to pray expectantly, live humbly, and wait for the day when God’s perfect justice is fully displayed.
(2)
Lift up thyself--
i.e., either be exalted, or rise to give sentence.
Verse 2. -
Lift up thyself (comp.
Psalm 7:6;
Isaiah 33:10). "Rouse thyself," that is, "from thy state of inaction" - come and visit the earth as Judge.
Thou Judge of the earth (comp.
Genesis 18:25;
Psalm 58:11).
Render a reward to the proud; rather,
render a recompense - as the same phrase is translated in
Lamentations 3:64.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Rise up,הִ֭נָּשֵׂא(hin·nā·śê)Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5375:To lift, carry, takeO Judgeשֹׁפֵ֣ט(šō·p̄êṭ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8199:To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigateof the earth;הָאָ֑רֶץ(hā·’ā·reṣ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landrenderהָשֵׁ֥ב(hā·šêḇ)Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againa rewardגְּ֝מ֗וּל(gə·mūl)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1576:Treatment, an act, service, requitaltoעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe proud.גֵּאִֽים׃(gê·’îm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 1343:Lofty, arrogant
Links
Psalm 94:2 NIVPsalm 94:2 NLTPsalm 94:2 ESVPsalm 94:2 NASBPsalm 94:2 KJV
Psalm 94:2 BibleApps.comPsalm 94:2 Biblia ParalelaPsalm 94:2 Chinese BiblePsalm 94:2 French BiblePsalm 94:2 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Psalm 94:2 Rise up you judge of the earth (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
