Psalm 94:9

He who affixed the ear, can He not hear? He who formed the eye, can He not see?

Study Bible

He who formed the ear
The phrase begins by acknowledging God as the Creator. The Hebrew word for "formed" is "יָצַר" (yatsar), which implies a deliberate and skillful act of creation. This word is often used to describe a potter shaping clay, suggesting God's intimate involvement in the creation of human faculties. The ear, as a symbol of hearing, represents not just the physical ability to hear but also the capacity for understanding and discernment. In the biblical context, hearing is often associated with obedience and attentiveness to God's word. Thus, the Creator of the ear is fully aware of all sounds and voices, including the cries of His people.

does He not hear?
This rhetorical question emphasizes God's omniscience and His ability to perceive all things. The Hebrew word for "hear" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which means to listen, understand, or obey. It is a call to recognize that God is not distant or indifferent; He is actively listening to the prayers and pleas of His people. Historically, this assurance would have been comforting to the Israelites, who often faced oppression and injustice. The verse reassures believers that God is aware of their struggles and will respond in His perfect timing.

He who formed the eye
Similar to the ear, the eye is another intricate creation of God, highlighting His wisdom and power. The eye symbolizes perception, insight, and awareness. The Hebrew word for "eye" is "עַיִן" (ayin), which can also refer to a fountain or spring, suggesting a source of life and vision. In the biblical narrative, the eye is often associated with God's watchfulness and care over His creation. By forming the eye, God demonstrates His ability to see beyond the surface, understanding the true nature of all things.

does He not see?
This question reinforces the idea of God's all-seeing nature. The Hebrew word for "see" is "רָאָה" (ra'ah), which means to perceive, consider, or understand. It conveys the depth of God's vision, which encompasses not only physical sight but also spiritual insight. In a world where injustice and wickedness often seem to prevail, this assurance of God's watchful presence provides hope and encouragement. Believers are reminded that nothing escapes God's notice, and He will ultimately bring justice and righteousness to fruition.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Psalmist
The author of Psalm 94, traditionally attributed to David or another inspired writer, who is addressing the justice and omniscience of God.

2. God
The Creator, who is being described as the one who formed the ear and the eye, emphasizing His ability to hear and see all things.

3. The Oppressors
Implied in the broader context of Psalm 94, these are the wicked who act unjustly, thinking they can escape God's notice.

4. The Righteous
Those who are suffering under oppression and are seeking God's justice and deliverance.

5. Israel
The nation often addressed in the Psalms, representing God's chosen people who are in need of His protection and justice.

Teaching Points

God's Omniscience
God is fully aware of all that happens in the world. We can take comfort in knowing that nothing escapes His notice, including our struggles and injustices we face.

Accountability
Since God sees and hears everything, we are accountable to Him for our actions. This should encourage us to live righteously and justly.

Trust in Divine Justice
Even when it seems like the wicked prosper, we can trust that God sees their actions and will bring about justice in His perfect timing.

Encouragement for the Oppressed
Those who are suffering can find solace in the fact that God is aware of their plight and is a righteous judge who will act on their behalf.

Reflection on Creation
Recognizing God as the Creator of our senses should lead us to worship Him and use our abilities to honor Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding that God formed the ear and eye impact your view of His awareness of your personal circumstances?

2. In what ways can you find comfort in knowing that God sees and hears everything, especially during times of injustice or suffering?

3. How does the knowledge of God's omniscience influence your daily decisions and actions?

4. Can you think of a time when you felt unnoticed or unheard? How does Psalm 94:9 reassure you in such situations?

5. How can you apply the truth of God's all-seeing and all-hearing nature to encourage others who may be struggling with feeling overlooked or oppressed?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:27
This verse speaks of God creating humans in His image, which connects to the idea of God forming the ear and eye, emphasizing His intimate involvement in creation.

Proverbs 15:3
This verse highlights that the eyes of the Lord are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good, reinforcing God's omnipresence and omniscience.

Hebrews 4:13
This verse states that nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight, which aligns with the message of Psalm 94:9 about God's all-seeing nature.

Exodus 4:11
God reminds Moses that He is the one who gives humans their abilities, including sight and hearing, underscoring His sovereignty over creation.

Psalm 139:1-4
This passage speaks of God's intimate knowledge of us, knowing our thoughts and actions, which complements the idea of God seeing and hearing everything.