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    No Fellowship Between God and Unjust Power

    Psalm 94:20 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?"
    — Psalm 94:20 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    Having tasted personal comfort (v. 19), the psalmist returns to the public crisis. He asks a rhetorical question that answers itself: God will not partner with corrupt rulers who codify cruelty.

    Historical Context

    'Frameth mischief by a law' describes lawmakers who use the machinery of justice to inflict injustice. Israel's prophets repeatedly named this — and so does the psalmist here.

    Original Language Insights

    'Frame' (yatsar) — to fashion, to mold as a potter. The image is of injustice carefully crafted into statute.

    'Mischief' (amal) — toil, trouble inflicted on others. Such laws are designed instruments of harm.

    Theological Significance

    Legality is not righteousness. A law can be evil, and when it is, God is on the other side of it. The throne of iniquity has no covenant with heaven.

    Practical Application

    Pray for lawmakers; resist unjust laws by lawful means; remember the believer's ultimate citizenship is in a kingdom whose King never frames mischief.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Psalm 94:19

    "Thy comforts delight my soul."

    The previous verse — inner comfort fuels outer courage against systemic evil.

    Isaiah 10:1

    "Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees."

    Direct prophetic parallel against legalized injustice.

    Prayer Response

    Righteous Judge, expose laws that frame mischief, and raise up rulers who fear You. Until then, hold Your people steady. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does this support civil disobedience?

    It establishes that God Himself does not fellowship with unjust laws. Scripture commends obedience to authorities (Romans 13) but also obedience to God above man when they conflict (Acts 5:29).

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Psalms 94 verse by verse:

    Before · Psalm 94:18Exact verse

    When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.

    Theme: Mercy That Catches Us Mid-Fall

    Before · Psalm 94:19Exact verse

    In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.

    Theme: God's Comfort in Anxiety

    Nearest commentary in Psalms

    Earlier · 2 ch back · Psalm 92:1-2Nearest chapter

    It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night.

    Theme: Praise & Worship

    Earlier · 2 ch back · Psalm 92:1Nearest chapter

    It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High.

    Theme: The Goodness of Thanksgiving

    Later · 1 ch forward · Psalm 95:1Nearest chapter

    O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise unto the rock of our salvation.

    Theme: Worship

    Later · 2 ch forward · Psalm 96:3Nearest chapter

    Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.

    Theme: Mission & Evangelism

    Read Psalms 93No commentary yet
    Read Psalms 94 (full)Nearest commentary: Psalm 94:19
    Read Psalms 95Commentary: Psalm 95:1
    Previous commentary: Psalm 94:19Next commentary: Psalm 95:1

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Is the Difference Between the Old and New Testament?

    The Old Testament records God's covenant with Israel through the Law and prophets; the New Testament reveals the new covenant through Jesus Christ.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Mean by 'Fear of the Lord'?

    The fear of the Lord is not terror but reverent awe — a deep respect for God's holiness, power, and authority that is the foundation of true wisdom.

    Read answer

    What Does It Mean to Fear God?

    The fear of God is not terror but reverent awe — a deep respect for God's holiness, power, and authority that shapes how believers live and worship.

    Read answer

    What Is Sanctification?

    Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God transforms believers into the likeness of Christ — set apart from sin and growing in holiness through the Spirit's power.

    Read answer

    What Does It Mean to Fear the Lord?

    The fear of the Lord is reverent awe and deep respect for God's holiness, power, and authority — it is the beginning of wisdom and the foundation of a righteous life.

    Read answer

    Who Is the Prophet Habakkuk in the Bible?

    Habakkuk questioned God about injustice and violence, and God answered that the righteous shall live by faith even when circumstances seem unjust.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Psalm 46:1 – Meaning & Devotional

    "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

    Psalm 27:1 – Meaning & Devotional

    "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

    Psalm 37:4 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    The Plague Stopped by Phinehas

    Phinehas' zealous act ends a plague that killed 24,000 Israelites at Peor.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

    The LORD rains fire and brimstone from heaven upon the cities of the plain, sparing only Lot.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of Peter's Mother-in-Law

    Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law of a great fever, and she rises to serve them.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of the Man with the Withered Hand

    Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, confronting hard-hearted religion.

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