Psalms 94:9

He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?

Psalms 94:9 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 94 is a lament where the psalmist cries out for justice and deliverance from the hands of the wicked. The writer is distressed by the apparent impunity of those who do evil, oppress the righteous, and speak blasphemies. These evildoers operate under the assumption that God is unaware of their actions and indifferent to the suffering of His people.

Meaning

The psalmist poses a rhetorical question about God’s omniscience and sovereignty using the imagery of the human ear and eye. The phrase “He that planted the ear” acknowledges God as the Creator who designed the complex mechanisms of hearing. It points to the art and skill evident in the human body, specifically the way the ear is placed and fitted perfectly for its purpose.

The question “shall he not hear?” directly challenges the practical atheism of those who utter hard speeches against God and His saints. The psalmist argues that it is foolish to imagine that the God who communicates the faculty of hearing to His creatures would be deaf Himself. Since the Creator gives the ability to hear, He must inevitably be able to hear all the evil spoken by the wicked.

Similarly, the phrase “he that formed the eye, shall he not see?” affirms that the One who created the eye is not blind to the oppression prevailing in the world. The Creator’s design of human faculties guarantees His perfect awareness of all human actions. As the Creator, God has full control over His creation and possesses complete knowledge of everything that happens.

Application

By acknowledging God’s ability to hear and see, the psalmist provides reassurance to believers. It reminds us that God is aware of our circumstances, both in times of joy and in times of distress. We can take comfort in the fact that nothing escapes His attention, and He understands our every need.

This verse encourages us to have faith in God’s attentiveness and wisdom. We can bring our concerns, fears, and joys before the Lord, knowing that He hears our prayers. We can trust in His perfect knowledge and rely on His guidance and provision.

As we encounter injustice and wickedness in the world, we can turn to God, knowing that He is not indifferent to it. We can pray for His intervention, trusting that He will ultimately bring justice to the wicked. This truth serves both as a severe warning to those who commit evil and as a comfort to the righteous who seek His justice.