THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
What does the Scripture convey in the psalm to those enduring the injustices of this world? The Lord will not abandon His people (Psalm 93:14). His followers toil amid the unworthy, the unjust, those who speak maliciously, who grumble, slander, persecute, and, if allowed, take life. Despite their labor, the Lord will neither forsake His people nor His inheritance until righteousness transforms into judgment (cf. Ps. 93:14-15). Until the justice that resides within His saints becomes judgment, it will be fulfilled what has been proclaimed to them: 'You shall sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel' (Matt. 19:28). The apostle knew righteousness but had not yet received the judgment he refers to when he states, Do ye not know that we shall judge angels? (1 Cor. 6:3).
As we attentively hear the reading of the Psalm, we will likewise engage with the profound truths that the Lord has chosen to veil in this passage. Certain mysteries within Scripture are concealed not to be dismissed, but rather to be unveiled to those who earnestly seek. Thus, if you approach with genuine reverence and a sincere heart, He who understands your intentions will reveal Himself to you. As it is written in Matthew 7:7, "Knock and it will be opened to you." Many lament (though we hope not to be among them) about the forbearance of the Lord, mourning the existence or influence of wicked individuals, and noting how the evil often have dominion over the righteous. They observe that the wicked thrive while the good endure hardship; the proud flourish, and the humble are oppressed. Witnessing such injustices, those who lack patience may feel disillusioned, might think themselves good in vain, perceiving that God has withdrawn His attention from the virtuous and assists the wicked in their selfish appetites. Consequently, the fragile are led to believe that their righteous living is for naught. They may choose to emulate the prosperity of those they see thriving in wrongdoing, or they might, out of fear of societal penalties, abstain from overt evildoing—not out of love for justice, but rather out of concern for human judgment. Even though they may refrain from wrong actions, their minds may still entertain wicked thoughts. One of the foremost of these thoughts is a concerning belief that God neglects human deeds, treating the good and the wicked to the same fate or, even more troublingly, favoring the evildoers while punishing the righteous. Such beliefs, while causing no harm to others, inflict profound injury upon one's own soul, for in their error, they draw further away from God while ultimately bringing ruin upon themselves.
This Psalm carries the title, "A Psalm of David," composed on the fourth day of the week. Its purpose is to instruct patience amid the afflictions of the just, urging endurance in the face of the prosperity of the wicked. This theme resonates from beginning to end. But why does it bear the designation of the fourth weekday? The first day of the week is the Lord's Day; the second day is associated with lunar influences, while the third day corresponds to Martian attributes. Thus, the fourth day, referred to by Gentiles as the day of Mercury, has been adopted by many Christians as well. However, I would discourage this practice and advocate for a shift towards terminology more reflective of our faith, as these names do not possess universal significance. Numerous cultures attribute varied names to the days, suggesting that the language used by the Church aligns more fittingly with the Christian spirit. If tradition compels anyone to say what their heart disapproves of, let them remember: those celestial bodies were named after men, yet these stars existed long before these men made their mark in history. Owing to certain transient favors from prominent figures in this life, those men, honored in misguided worship, were mistakenly elevated to divinity. This misguided practice was propagated by deceived generations, attributing celestial powers to earthly benefactors. But Christ dismantled this falsehood through His teachings. Thus, in our discourse, the fourth weekday is most appropriately recognized as the fourth following the Lord's Day.
Now, dear friends, behold the profound significance of this designation. Therein lies a great and hidden mystery. Let us recall the creation account in Genesis, where on the first day, light was brought forth; on the second, the firmament was fashioned and termed Heaven; on the third, the divide between land and sea was established, with all gathered waters identified as the sea and dry land as earth. On the fourth day, God created the heavenly bodies—the sun to govern the day and the moon and stars to light the night, as recorded in Genesis 1:3-19. What, then, is the connection of this Psalm to the fourth day? It instructs patience amid the flourishing of the wicked and the trials of the righteous. The Apostle Paul echoing this sentiment states, “Do all things without murmuring and disputing, that you may be blameless and harmless, sons of God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life” (Philippians 2:14-16).
Let us now delve into the Psalm. The Lord, a God of avenging justice, has the authority to judge as stated in Psalm 93:1. Do you believe He remains unmoved by wrongdoing? The God of retribution does indeed punish. What does it mean for Him to be a God of vengeance? It implies His capacity to discipline. You may voice your frustration at the seeming lack of punishment for the wicked; however, refrain from such bitterness lest you find yourself among those who will face divine correction. If one steals and lives unscathed, it is easy to murmur against God, believing the unpunished transgressor is exempt from consequence. But understand, should you desire another's wrongs to be corrected, first correct your own heart and speech towards Him. For divine justice will indeed come; it remains assured that He will hold accountable those entrenched in their misdeeds, particularly those who ignore the countless opportunities afforded them through His grace and patience. They amass wrath that awaits revelation on the day of judgment, where God shall repay each according to their deeds (Romans 2:4-6). Therefore, the confidence of the Lord in exercising His justice is a source of hope for all who are meek and needy. He affirms His unwavering promise to assist even the humble in spirit to regain integrity and hope.
As He proclaims, “I will act with confidence in Him,” it means He will not shy away from confronting the sinful nature of humanity. Like a compassionate physician wielding healing instruments, He will surely address all our wounds. He delivered revelation that astounded many: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” He made bold proclamations before those who sought to undermine Him. He feared no criticism because He is indeed a God of retribution. His unwavering truth was articulated with love and strength—these words served to heal those willing to embrace His teachings, rather than condemn them, provided they were ready to receive it. The Lord will not shy away then from exacting judgment. He—who did not spare words before enduring suffering—will not exercise leniency in ultimate judgment. His humility in facing humanity does not transform into fear in His glory.
So, do not rise against God simply because of the seeming delay in punishing the wicked. Instead, remain steadfast in kindness and patience, observing the wise counsel of the Lord; He may be withholding judgment in order to extend mercy.
What follows this confident reassurance? “Be exalted, O Judge of the earth” (Psalm 92:2). When they unbarred Him in His humility, what makes you think they would succeed in binding Him when He takes His rightful place of honor? Having judged Him in His mortality, what rational being believes that He, now immortal and exalted, would submit to their judgment? He commands all, the very confidence spoken of is directed towards Him who could not be vanquished, as the wicked pursued Him, tragically mistaking their actions for triumph when they seized Him. They who should have believed stood against their Creator, yet a day will come where He rises in retribution. He will indeed recompense the proud as per their due, and they shall reap the just reward for their rebellion against His law.
“Lord, how long shall the wicked triumph?” (Psalm 92:3). The wicked speak against you, placing blame and propagating evil (Psalm 93:4). They utter foolish inquiries: "What reward comes from living righteously?" They assume, in their deeds, that God does not witness their actions. Alas! A true believer knows that no one can escape the ever-watchful gaze of God. He perceives all, not just their physical acts but also the hidden recesses of the heart. As those engaged in iniquity may attempt to elude earthly authorities, they cannot evade the divine gaze that sees all. If God did not regard our offerings, could we avoid His sight? Reflecting on divine patience leads to further contemplations; how could one imagine that they remain unaffected by His sovereignty?
When a righteous soul advises against wrongdoing, persistent wrongdoers may wonder why they suffer while others prosper. “Why am I alive when a righteous man has perished?” They might assume that divine forbearance suggests absence or reluctance. Yet the Apostle Paul elucidates that “...thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them that do such things, and dost the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?” (Romans 2:3). His purpose in stretching His mercy toward the wicked is to lead to their eventual repentance—not to coddle their iniquity.
In summary, His forbearance invites reflection, not resentment—threatening eternal punishment for those who refuse to acknowledge His grace and eager to stockpile iniquity for the appointed day.
“They have oppressed Your people, O Lord, and inflicted sorrow on Your heritage” (Psalm 92:5). The humble are attacked; the widow, orphan, and immigrant suffer alike (Psalm 92:6)—a call to bear witness to the fragile state of our societal fabric. The wicked clamor, “The Lord takes no notice” (Psalm 93:7), making the absurd claim that God remains oblivious to their actions. This is their denial, a refusal to recognize divine audit. They submit that since God does not punish them, He must condone their ways.
Yet, dear brothers, we are cautioned not to be led astray by folly but instead to gain wisdom in accordance with the Lord's instruction (Psalm 92:8). For those amid turmoil, often blinded by envy of the wicked’s prosperity, know that true righteousness in Christ will shield you against temptation. Embrace patience, knowing that the great day of reckoning to overcome wickedness awaits.
As we hold fast to this truth, let us also remember that “He who formed the ear, shall He not hear?” (Psalm 93:9). Therefore, heed the Lord’s guidance—though trials may come, He instructs and prepares His children for the ultimate truth, mercy, and learning. Despite its afflictive character, the tribulations serve to mold us into vessels of His grace.
Blessed is the one who the Lord disciplines, for He enlightens them in accordance with His statutes (Psalm 92:12). The delays you perceive are mere preparations; the Lord desires to lead you to righteousness. His purpose is not to punish the humble but to shape the proud until the appointed time, revealing the pit He has prepared for them through humiliation—in the form of grace extended to the lowly. As regards the proud, they who disdain repentance reject the path to mercy.
Let us endeavor in patience during the days of the unrighteous, knowing that while turmoil may abound, divine justice will prevail—and we shall remain steadfast, our foundation secure in the hope offered through Christ's mercy, as Psalm 92 reminds us, “[He] will not cast away His people” (Psalm 92:14).