John Calvin Commentary Psalms 94:1

"O Jehovah, thou God to whom vengeance belongeth, Thou God to whom vengeance belongeth, shine forth." — Psalms 94:1 (ASV)

O Jehovah! God of vengeances! We know that the Jews were surrounded by many neighbors who were not well-disposed towards them and were thus continually subject to the assaults and oppression of bitter enemies. As this internal persecution was even more distressing than the rampant and unrestrained violence of the wicked, we should not be surprised that the Psalmist would earnestly ask God for deliverance from it.

The expressions he uses, calling upon God to shine forth conspicuously and lift himself up on high, essentially mean that God would give some actual demonstration of His character as judge or avenger. For in that case, He is seen ascending His tribunal to exact the punishment due to sin and demonstrate His power in preserving order and government in the world.

This wording is used only in reference to ourselves, as we are inclined to feel as if He overlooked us unless He extends His hand to help us in some visible and open way. In calling Him twice in succession the God of vengeances, and then, judge of the earth, the Psalmist uses these titles as applicable to the present situation in which he stood, in a way reminding Him of the office that belonged to Him, and saying—O Lord! It is Yours to take vengeance upon sinners and judge the earth—see how they take advantage of the impunity extended to their guilt and triumph audaciously in their wickedness!

It is not that God needs to be reminded of His duty, for He never succumbs to indifference. Even when He seems to delay His judgments, He is only timing them according to what He knows to be the best season. But His people perceive Him in this way and use this as an occasion to embolden and stir themselves to greater fervency in prayer.

The same may be said of the repetition the Psalmist uses. When the wicked then indulge in unrestrained excesses, we must remember that God can never cease to assert His character as the judge of the earth who takes vengeance upon iniquity. Does He seem in our fleshly perception to have at any time withdrawn and hidden Himself? Let us offer without hesitation the prayer taught us here by the Holy Spirit: that He would shine forth.