In Psalms ninety-four the Psalmist asked, “LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?”, and in chapter ninety-four and verse five of Psalms the Psalmist asked, “How long shall they utter and speak hard things?” where we read,
How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?
The verse begins, “How long shall they utter and speak hard things?” The Psalmist began with the words, “how long” or “for what length of time and space” “shall they utter” which means “will they, the wicked, pour forth, emit and belch” “and speak hard things” or “and commune, pronounce, declare and proclaim grievous, bold, forward and arrogant speeches”? The Psalmist asked for what length of time the wicked people would be allowed to pour forth and say arrogant speeches.
The verse goes on to say, “and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves? The Psalmist continued with the words, “and all the workers” or “and each, every, the whole and everyone of the people who do, make, commit and practice” “of iniquity” which means “things belonging to trouble, wickedness, sorrow and idolatry” “boast themselves” or “speak, utter, command, promise and avow in a proud manner”? The Psalmist wanted to know how long people who commit wickedness and idolatry would be allowed to brag and make prideful statements concerning their activities.
When think through the words in this verse, we discover how the Psalmist wanted to know what length of time the people who speak boastfully and commit wickedness were going to be permitted to do so. We can almost sense his frustration over the lack of judgment coming upon these wicked people. Rather than being judged, they not only kept performing their evil acts, but they bragged upon themselves as they did them. We may be able to relate. God, however, did know what these people were doing, and He would certainly judge them. One of God's characteristics is to be “long-suffering” and patient with people while they are committing sin, and He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. God waits for us to receive His invitation to accept His Son Jesus as our “Savior and Lord”, and when we do, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and contend with those who refuse to receive Him and practice evil.
Next time the Psalmist says, “They break in pieces your people”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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