Psalms 94:16
Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
Psalms 94:16: "Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?"
This verse is a pastorally charged call for intercession and courage. The speaker asks who will actively oppose oppression and defend justice. In a climate of tyranny or social injustice, the psalmist longs for faithful guardianship—people willing to challenge wrongdoing, risk their safety, and advocate for the vulnerable. The two sides—evildoers and workers of iniquity—emphasize systemic evil and the need for righteous resistance. The question is not rhetorical despair but a summons to action: God’s people are called to partner with Him in confronting injustice, to “stand up” for what is right. This language resonates with prophetic tradition where faithful leaders and laypeople confront oppression with truth, advocacy, and, when necessary, courageous dissent.
Theologically, the verse highlights divine-human collaboration in justice. God invites human agency in combating evil, underscoring responsibility and courage as virtues in the life of faith. It also delineates a clear moral landscape: there are righteous standpoints against oppression, and God honors those who act in alignment with His standard of justice. The verse reinforces the biblical pattern that faith without action is incomplete.
Ways to respond today:
- Identify a local or personal injustice and take ethical action—advocacy, volunteering, or organizing.
- Mentor or support younger or marginalized voices who stand up for truth.
- Pray for courage and wisdom to confront evil when it’s uncomfortable or dangerous.
- Build communities that practice accountability and stand against corruption.
The verse calls for active faith, not passive endurance.
Cross-References: Exodus 17:11-13; Psalm 82:3-4; Proverbs 31:8-9; James 1:27