Psalms – Chapter 93

Old Testament23 Verses

1The Lord is the God to whom revenge belongeth: the God of revenge hath acted freely.

2Lift up thyself, thou that judgest the earth: render a reward to the proud.

3How long shall sinners, O Lord: how long shall sinners glory?

4Shall they utter, and speak iniquity: shall all speak who work injustice?

5Thy people, O Lord, they have brought low: and they have afflicted thy inheritance.

6They have slain the widow and the stranger: and they have murdered the fatherless.

7And they have said: The Lord shall not see: neither shall the God of Jacob understand.

8Understand, ye senseless among the people: and, you fools, be wise at last.

9He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? or he that formed the eye, doth he not consider?

10He that chastiseth nations, shall he not rebuke: he that teacheth man knowledge?

11The Lord knoweth the thoughts of men, that they are vain.

12Blessed is the man whom thou shalt instruct, O Lord: and shalt teach him out of thy law.

13That thou mayst give him rest from the evil days: till a pit be dug for the wicked.

14For the Lord will not cast off his people: neither will he forsake his own inheritance.

15Until justice be turned into judgment: and they that are near it are all the upright in heart.

16Who shall rise up for me against the evildoers? or who shall stand with me against the workers of iniquity?

17Unless the Lord had been my helper, my soul had almost dwelt in hell.

18If I said: My foot is moved: thy mercy, O Lord, assisted me.

19According to the multitude of my sorrows in my heart, thy comforts have given joy to my soul.

20Doth the seat of iniquity stick to thee, who framest labour in commandment?

21They will hunt after the soul of the just, and will condemn innocent blood.

22But the Lord is my refuge: and my God the help of my hope.

23And he will render them their iniquity : and in their malice he will destroy them: the Lord our God will destroy them.

Reflection for Today

The message of Psalms Chapter 93 unfolds within the broader narrative of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. Catholic theology, drawing on the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589), sees in this chapter a call to deeper faith. The principle that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him guides our interpretation.

The Church Fathers, including St. Augustine, St. Jerome, and St. John Chrysostom, devoted themselves to explaining Scripture for the faithful. Their insights, preserved in the Church's Tradition, continue to illuminate our reading. The Catechism reminds us that "the Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures as she venerated the Body of the Lord" (CIC 103).

As you engage with this chapter, bring your questions, struggles, and hopes to the text. God's Word addresses the whole person—mind, heart, and will. Through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we receive the grace to live what we read. May this chapter strengthen your faith and deepen your love for Christ and His Church.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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