Definition: Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 94:20. It's a really interesting and slightly unsettling passage from the Bible. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about the potential for laws and rules to become harmful or destructive. It suggests that even divine law – which is meant to be good and just – can, under certain circumstances, lead to mischief and chaos. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee…” - "Iniquity" is a tricky word. It’s often translated as "sin," but it's more complex. Think of it as a kind of “moral accountability” – a measure of how far we stray from God’s perfect nature. The “throne of iniquity” represents this sense of moral failing, the feeling that we’ve fallen short of what’s right. “…which frameth mischief by a law?” - This is the core of the verse. "Frameth mischief" means to create or bring about something bad, trouble, or harm. “By a law” indicates that this mischief isn't accidental; it’s deliberately caused. Putting it Together – The Overall Meaning: The verse warns us that even when we try to establish rules and laws to keep things orderly and just, those laws can sometimes unintentionally lead to problems. It suggests there is a potential for laws to become corrupting or harmful because they aren't perfectly aligned with God’s will. Why is this important? This verse has been interpreted in several ways throughout history: A Caution Against Arbitrary Laws: It encourages us to be wary of creating laws that seem unfair or designed only to cause harm. The Importance of Divine Guidance: It reminds us that God's law is a gift and should be used wisely, not as a tool for manipulation or control. In short, Psalm 94:20 warns us against letting rules become something inherently destructive. Important Note: This verse isn’t necessarily meant to be taken literally about all laws in the Bible. It's a metaphorical warning about the potential dangers of focusing solely on rules without considering the underlying principles of justice and righteousness that come from God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its historical context? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?