THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
As we attentively listened to the Psalm, may we also carefully receive the revelations that the Lord has chosen to reveal within this text. Many mysteries found in Scripture are intentionally concealed, not meant to be obscured, but instead intended to be revealed to those who earnestly seek understanding. Therefore, if you approach Him with genuine devotion and a pure heart, He who discerns your sincere intentions will make Himself known to you. Matthew 7:7 It is common to hear complaints about God’s patience, often from those who lament the existence of wicked individuals or their considerable influence. They observe that the unrighteous often wield power over the righteous, leading them to question why the wicked prosper while the virtuous suffer. It induces a sense of despair among the faithful, causing them to feel as if their good deeds are in vain, especially when they perceive God as indifferent to their struggles while appearing to assist the wicked in their sinful pursuits. Consequently, some may feel despair about their righteousness, swayed to imitate the wicked they see thriving or, paralyzed by fear of worldly consequences, refrain from acting, not out of love for justice, but from a desire to avoid societal scorn. Chief among sinful thoughts is the belief that God neglects human affairs—errorously thinking that He treats the righteous and the wicked the same or, even more dangerously, that He punishes the righteous while favoring the unrighteous. Though such thoughts may cause no harm to others, they ruin oneself, leading to self-inflicted despair while failing to affect God’s sovereignty.
The Psalm is inscribed as a message from David on the fourth day of the week. It serves to teach the faithful endurance through afflictions and encourages patience amidst the apparent prosperity of evildoers. This theme is woven throughout the entire Psalm. So, why is it titled after the fourth day? The first day is the Lord’s day, while the second is recognized as the lunar day, and the third is called after the god of war. The fourth day, referred to by the Gentiles as the day of Mercury, receives the same name from many Christians, a practice I wish would change. These designations lack universal significance, varying across cultures, making it preferable for the Church to develop a language better reflecting her teachings. Those who continue to use such titles may consider that the stars predate the names assigned to them by humans, whose glorification stemmed from transient, mortal deeds rather than eternal significance. In antiquity, misguided individuals pointed to heavenly bodies to idolize those who benefited them in this life, mistakenly believing that they had some divine relationship with those stars. This false belief was bolstered by the adversary, while Christ ultimately dismantled it. Hence, from a theological perspective, the fourth day pertains as the fourth day since the Lord's resurrection. Beloved, reflect on the profound mystery encapsulated in this title.
As we turn to Genesis, we note that light was created on the first day, the heavens on the second, and, on the third, the land and seas were formed, ordering the waters and the earth. On the fourth day, God created the celestial bodies: Genesis 1:3-19 the sun to rule the day and the moon and stars for the night, marking a significant work of creation. The Psalm takes its name from the fourth day to impart a lesson in patience, highlighting the juxtaposition between the wicked's flourishing and the righteous's suffering. Observe the words of the apostle Paul: "Do all things without murmuring and disputing, that ye may be blameless and harmless, ye 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 engage with the Psalm now. The Lord is described as a God of vengeance, a God who executes vengeance confidently: Psalm 93:1. Do not think He turns a blind eye to injustice. The God of vengeance delivers just punishment. What does it mean for God to be a God of vengeance? It signifies His authority to chastise. You may express dissatisfaction because the wicked seem unpunished, but be cautious of murmuring, lest you also stand on the wrong side of judgment. If you observe a thief living without consequence, do not direct your grievances at God for allowing this; instead, reflect on your own conduct and voice your concerns appropriately. Prioritize your moral heart and relationship with God over judgments of others. When pursuing God’s vengeance against the wicked, be aware that His judgment might find you first should you, too, persist in wrongdoing. He will return; He will judge those who persist in unrighteousness, ungrateful for His patience and accumulating wrath for the day of reckoning. God will render to each according to his deeds—Romans 2:4-6.
The Lord is our refuge, upon Him the needy place their hopes, proclaiming, "I will put my trust in Him." This assures us that He is unwavering; He will not yield to selfish desires or vices. Like a diligent physician wielding the sharp tool of His truth, He addresses all the wounds in our lives, appearing just as He preached. How profound are the lessons from Him of whom it is said, "He taught as one having authority." He rebuked the scribes and Pharisees, calling them hypocrites, openly confronting them without fear. Why could He declare such truths? Because He is a God of vengeance, secure in His judgment, not sparing them in His words to urge them toward repentance. Those who refuse to accept His correction will bear the consequence from their Judge.
"Be exalted, O Judge of the earth." Psalm 92:2. If they confined Him in humility, do you believe they will succeed in doing so when He is exalted? When judged in mortality, will they not face Him in His immortality? What can He declare? "Be magnified, O faithful one, who acted with assurance." Although the wicked thought they achieved greatness by seizing Him, they mistook their actions as noble. In truth, they should have approached Him with faith rather than malice. Thus, amid their hostility, He acted with firm resolve. He is called to rise again and ascend to heaven. May the Church follow the example of her Head in enduring patiently as He did. "Be exalted, O Judge of the earth, and repay the proud according to their deeds." The Lord will ensure justice is served.
In the words "Be exalted, O Judge of the earth, repay the proud according to their deeds," we recognize the prophet’s foresight. The prophecy does not indicate that Christ obeyed due to the prophet’s command but asserts that the prophet foresaw Christ's forthcoming resurrection. The prophet observed Christ's humility and His unyielding approach to truth even as He faced arrest, crucifixion, and despair. Yet he saw Him arise, ascend into glory, and ultimately return to deliver justice upon those who caused His suffering: "Be exalted," he uttered, "Thou art the Judge of the earth, repay the proud according to their deeds." Thus He will grant rewards to the haughty instead of the humble.
Who do we deem as the proud? They are not merely those who commit grievous sins but those who rationalize their iniquities. Some of those who once persecuted Christ later witnessed miracles, leading to their conversion. Despite the blood on their hands, they found redemption through the very blood they shed. The perpetrators of His suffering became members of His Body, the Church, transformed through His sacrifice, turning their condemnation into salvation.
"How long, O Lord," I lament, "will the wicked exalt themselves? How long will they rejoice?" Psalm 92:3. Their challenges and evil words ring out, insisting that their way of life is beyond reproach. "What significance does our existence hold?" They dare question if God acknowledges their deeds. "Does He truly concern Himself with our actions? If the authorities were aware of our actions, we would face punishment." Just as earthly authorities observe wrongdoing, how can one escape the all-seeing presence of God? He perceives not only our actions but the secret thoughts of our hearts. Even the wicked grasp that nothing escapes His awareness, yet as they continue in sin, they deceive themselves, pretending to be pleasing to God in their impunity.
One righteous individual may call out, "Do not commit injustice, lest you perish." Yet he wonders, "Why have I not been judged when I transgress? This fellow practiced righteousness and faced death—why not I?" They dismiss God’s mercy and perceive it as complacency. Yet the apostle directs our attention to the enduring patience of God, reminding us that God's kindness leads to repentance. “Do you think, O man, who judges others while living a life of transgression, that you will escape God’s judgment?” “Or do you disdain the riches of His kindness and patience, failing to recognize that His kindness is meant to guide you to repentance?” Romans 2:5-6. Thus, the longer God extends His grace, the more iniquities you accrue. His treasure is eternal mercy towards those who hold dear His compassion; your treasure, however, awaits in wrath, growing ever larger when neglected. Even the smallest sins accumulate, like drops of rain filling a river.
"They have oppressed Your people, O Lord, and devastated Your inheritance." Psalm 92:5. They have slaughtered the widow and the orphan, and they have wronged the wandering stranger. Psalm 92:6. The meaning is sufficiently clear that little elaboration is needed. The wicked taunt, "The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob does not consider this." Psalm 93:7. Their blasphemous assertions imply that God is inattentive or has resigned His focus. They believe since they escape His hand of judgment, they are free from consequence. The unfortunate illusion persists, serving as a snare. God values your life and desires you to live righteously; neglect not this moral imperative.
Awake, foolish among mankind! Understand the truth that awaits you. Psalm 92:8. He instructs His people, their stability threatened by witnessing evil's triumph. The righteous surrounded by sin may wonder about the futility of their virtue in the face of unrighteous prosperity. Yet your reward is not lost; God promises it will come in His time. If you labor in His vineyard, fulfilling your calling, your wages shall be provided. Do not expect your due until completion of your work. Patience is integral to your service; neglect it, and you risk fictional gain or, worse, punishment for unfaithfulness.
Once enlightened, be wary of slipping into the ways of the wicked; do not believe you can hide your transgressions from the ever-watchful eye of your Master. His gaze never falters, and there are no avenues for dishonesty. If such temptations have caused you to stray, this Psalm serves as a guiding message to reignite your faith. For they have declared, "The Lord will not see; the God of Jacob will not take heed." Beware, fools, for this arrogance shall be corrected in time.
"Will He who created the ear not hear? Will He who fashioned the eye remain unjudging?" Psalm 93:9. Is not the One who instructs the nations also He who must chastise? Psalm 92:10. This is what God is teaching us now: He sends His words through messengers—angels, patriarchs, prophets—to stir conviction among the nations. His Word, delivered through His Son, continues to permeate the world, calling all to abandon former iniquities and embrace righteousness. He withholds immediate punishment to allow for repentance; when the time of reckoning arrives, will He not demand accountability from those to whom He has entrusted knowledge?