Psalms 94:10

Psalms 94:10: "He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?"

This couplet continues the psalm’s appeal to God’s justice. The phrase “chastiseth the heathen” signals God’s sovereign discipline over nations, not merely individuals. In the ancient world, chastisement was a form of divine mercy—reordering a people toward righteousness. The Hebrew verb for “correct” carries the sense of training, discipline, or instructing in moral knowledge. The second line reinforces this by affirming that God is the one who teaches human knowledge and thereby knows it fully. The rhetorical question asks: if God disciplines nations and instructs humanity, can He be unaware of what He teaches or unaware of human needs? The point is not vindictive punishment but purposeful correction that leads to wisdom and repentance. The psalmist, amid distress from the oppression of the wicked, asserts that God’s governance includes both punishment of wrongdoing and the impartation of truth. God’s related activity in the world demonstrates His attentiveness to human development, societal order, and the moral economy of creation.

This verse highlights two core attributes: God’s corrective discipline and His revelation of knowledge. Theologically, it underscores that God governs with wisdom and intent, not caprice. The idea that God teaches “man knowledge” points to revelation—God communicates what humans need to know to live rightly. It also counters the view that the divine realm is distant or uninterested in human learning. The biblical pattern—seed, law, prophecy, wisdom—suggests that divine correction leads to maturity and societal flourishing when heeded. For believers, this reframes hardship as potentially purposeful pedagogy from a wise Teacher who loves us. The verse also speaks to the universality of God’s authority: He chastens not only Israel, but nations; His instruction is for all people who live under creation’s order.

Consider how you respond to correction, whether self-imposed, relational, or institutional. The verse invites humility: God as Teacher knows more about truth than we do. Practical applications:

- Embrace constructive criticism as a gift rather than an attack; ask, “What truth is God using this to teach me?”

- In parenting or teaching, model teachability: admit gaps, show up to learn from others, and provide space for correction.

- When institutions mistake or misuse power, seek reforms that reflect divine justice and wisdom rather than vengeance.

- In personal study, diligently pursue knowledge—read broadly, test ideas against Scripture, and confess ignorance where it’s real.

By leaning into God’s instruction, we grow in discernment, so our words and actions align with truth.

Cross-References: Deuteronomy 8:1-3; Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 25:4-5; Isaiah 28:9-12; Hebrews 12:5-11