Psalms 94:6 - They kill the widow and the alien, and murder the fatherless.

Generated Verse: Psalms 94:6

What does "Psalms 94:6" mean?


Psalm 94:6 describes a society where the vulnerable members – widows, aliens (foreigners/immigrants), and the fatherless (orphans) – are being unjustly targeted and killed. It highlights the injustice and cruelty inflicted upon those who are already in a precarious position due to their lack of social standing, protection, and resources.

Here's a breakdown of the meaning and implications:

"They kill the widow..." Widows in ancient Israel were particularly vulnerable because they often lost their source of income and protection when their husbands died. They were dependent on the community for support, and exploiting them was a grievous sin.

"...and the alien..." Aliens (or foreigners) were also in a vulnerable position as they lacked the social and legal rights of native-born Israelites. They were often susceptible to exploitation and abuse.

"...and murder the fatherless." The fatherless (orphans) were among the most defenseless members of society. They lacked the guidance, protection, and provision that a father would typically provide.

Overall Meaning:

The verse is a condemnation of the wicked who abuse their power and exploit the most vulnerable members of society. It paints a picture of a lawless and unjust society where the weak are not protected but actively targeted. The verse serves as an indictment of social injustice and a plea for God to intervene and bring justice to the oppressed.

Context within Psalm 94:

Psalm 94 is a lament and a plea for justice. The psalmist is crying out to God against the wicked who seem to prosper while the righteous suffer. The psalmist believes that God will ultimately judge the wicked and vindicate the righteous. Verse 6 is one example the psalmist gives to exemplify the injustice of the land and the evil doings of those who should be punished.

Theological Implications:

God's concern for the vulnerable: The verse reflects God's consistent concern for the marginalized and oppressed. Throughout the Old Testament, God commands his people to care for the widow, the alien, and the fatherless.
Justice as a divine attribute: The verse implies that justice is an essential attribute of God. God cannot tolerate injustice and will ultimately hold the wicked accountable.
Social responsibility: The verse underscores the importance of social responsibility. It calls on individuals and societies to protect the vulnerable and ensure that justice is served.

In summary, Psalm 94:6 is a powerful indictment of social injustice and a reminder of God's concern for the vulnerable. It calls for action against those who exploit and harm the weak, and it affirms the hope that God will ultimately bring justice to the oppressed.

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