God will bring justice to those who commit evil against the defenseless.
In “They slay the widow and the stranger And murder the orphans” (v.6), the Psalmist denounces those who commit acts of violence against the most vulnerable. Widows, strangers, and orphans in ancient Israel relied on communal care and the protection of the law (Deuteronomy 24:19-21). The Psalmist highlights this injustice to call attention to God’s awareness of the wickedness that seeks to prey on those who lack physical and legal protection.
The historical context of this psalm likely places it during a period when Israel, or a subset of the nation, faced oppression or saw rampant injustice within its borders. While the exact date is not certain, the Psalms were compiled over many generations—some as early as the time of David’s reign (1010-970 BC) and others possibly written after the Babylonian exile (circa 586-539 BC). In this verse, the author appeals to the Lord, whose righteous rule conflicts with evil acts that harm society’s defenseless members. The psalm emphasizes that God does not overlook such cruelty but will hold the wicked accountable.
Throughout Scripture, caring for widows and orphans is a central theme, reinforced repeatedly in both the Old and New Testaments (James 1:27). This verse underscores the seriousness of undermining God’s command to uphold justice and compassion, especially toward those who cannot defend themselves.
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Psalms 94:6 meaning
In “They slay the widow and the stranger And murder the orphans” (v.6), the Psalmist denounces those who commit acts of violence against the most vulnerable. Widows, strangers, and orphans in ancient Israel relied on communal care and the protection of the law (Deuteronomy 24:19-21). The Psalmist highlights this injustice to call attention to God’s awareness of the wickedness that seeks to prey on those who lack physical and legal protection.
The historical context of this psalm likely places it during a period when Israel, or a subset of the nation, faced oppression or saw rampant injustice within its borders. While the exact date is not certain, the Psalms were compiled over many generations—some as early as the time of David’s reign (1010-970 BC) and others possibly written after the Babylonian exile (circa 586-539 BC). In this verse, the author appeals to the Lord, whose righteous rule conflicts with evil acts that harm society’s defenseless members. The psalm emphasizes that God does not overlook such cruelty but will hold the wicked accountable.
Throughout Scripture, caring for widows and orphans is a central theme, reinforced repeatedly in both the Old and New Testaments (James 1:27). This verse underscores the seriousness of undermining God’s command to uphold justice and compassion, especially toward those who cannot defend themselves.