Surely judgment will again be righteous
This phrase reflects a confidence in the restoration of justice, suggesting a time when God's righteous judgment will prevail. In the context of the Psalms, this is a recurring theme where the psalmist often contrasts the current state of injustice with the anticipated divine intervention. Historically, Israel experienced periods of corruption and injustice, often under unrighteous rulers or foreign oppression. This phrase reassures the faithful that God's justice will ultimately be restored. Biblically, this aligns with the prophetic visions found in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, where the promise of a righteous reign is a central theme. It also echoes the eschatological hope found in Revelation, where God's final judgment establishes eternal righteousness.

and all the upright in heart will follow it
The "upright in heart" refers to those who are sincere and faithful in their devotion to God. This phrase implies that true followers of God will naturally align themselves with His righteous judgment. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, the heart was seen as the center of moral and spiritual life, so being "upright in heart" signifies integrity and purity. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as Psalm 24:4, which speaks of those with clean hands and pure hearts. Theologically, this can be seen as a type of Christ, who embodies perfect righteousness and calls His followers to walk in His ways. The phrase also suggests a future time when God's people will fully embrace His righteous rule, a theme that resonates with the New Testament teachings on the Kingdom of God.

1. The Psalmist
The author of Psalm 94, traditionally attributed to David or another psalmist, who is expressing a plea for God's justice against the wicked.

2. The Upright in Heart
Refers to those who are righteous and seek to follow God's ways, aligning their hearts with His will.

3. The Wicked
Those who oppose God's laws and oppress the righteous, often causing the psalmist to cry out for divine intervention.

4. Judgment
The divine justice that the psalmist anticipates will be restored, ensuring that righteousness prevails.

5. God
The ultimate judge who is called upon to enact justice and righteousness on earth.The Assurance of Divine Justice
Believers can trust that God's judgment is always righteous and will ultimately prevail, even when human justice systems fail.

The Call to Righteous Living
The "upright in heart" are those who align their lives with God's standards. We are called to live righteously, trusting that God sees and rewards our faithfulness.

The Role of Patience and Faith
In times of injustice, patience and faith are crucial. We must wait on the Lord, knowing that His timing and justice are perfect.

The Importance of Aligning with God's Will
Following God's righteous judgment requires a heart that seeks His will above all else. This involves daily surrender and obedience to His Word.

Encouragement in Times of Oppression
For those facing oppression or injustice, Psalm 94:15 offers hope and encouragement that God is aware and will act in His perfect time.(15) But.--Better, For; literally, for to righteousness judgment shall turn, and after it all upright in heart--i.e., there shall no longer be the seeming contradiction in things. God's righteousness will triumph over the injustice under which Israel groans; His ways will be vindicated, so that all the upright in heart will acknowledge that "there is a reward for the righteous, a God who judges in the earth" (Psalm 58:11). Luther's fine paraphrase, "For Right must, whatever happens, remain Right," expresses the feeling; but, better still, the question, "Shall not the Lord of all the earth do right?" The phrase, "shall after it," is a common one for expressing attachment and adherence to a party or cause (Exodus 23:2; 2Samuel 2:10; Psalm 49:13), and specially of adherence to Jehovah (1Samuel 12:14; 1Kings 14:8). . . . Verse 15. - But judgment shall return unto righteousness. "Judgment," i.e. God's actual award of good and evil upon the earth, which has seemed to be divorced from justice, while the ungodly have prospered and the pious been afflicted (vers. 3-6), shall in the end "return unto righteousness," i.e. once more, evidently, conform to it and coincide with it. And all the upright in heart shall follow it; i.e. "and then all honest hearted men shall recognize the fact, see it, and rejoice in it."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Surely
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

judgment
צֶ֭דֶק (ṣe·ḏeq)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6664: The right, equity, prosperity

will again
יָשׁ֣וּב (yā·šūḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

be righteous,
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט (miš·pāṭ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

and all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the upright
יִשְׁרֵי־ (yiš·rê-)
Adjective - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3477: Straight, right

in heart
לֵֽב׃ (lêḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

will follow it.
וְ֝אַחֲרָ֗יו (wə·’a·ḥă·rāw)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 310: The hind or following part


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OT Poetry: Psalm 94:15 For judgment will return to righteousness (Psalm Ps Psa.)