Psalm 82
God's supremacy over all magistrates is declared. Unjust
judges are reproved, and prayer is made that God would maintain justice.
1. "God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He
judges among the gods."
Man raised to a seat of pre-eminence is prone to forget
the hand which thus uplifts. His boastful heart regards the power as his own
prerogative, and rules as if accountable to no one. But God's kingdom reigns
over all. Earthly authority emanates from Him. In courts of judicature He is
supreme. His eye discerns the movement of each heart. His hand is ready to
control. The wicked Sanhedrin little thought of the presence of the Lord of
all. The unrighteous Pilate felt not that he could have no power at all
except what was given him from above.
2. "How long will you defend the unjust and show
partiality to the wicked?"
God condescends to expostulate. He upbraids the folly of
injustice. It is sin in His sight to regard the status of men rather than
the cause of truth. Let us remember that a day is coming when a righteous
tribunal shall be erected; when a righteous Judge shall sit, whose scepter
is a righteous scepter—whose right hand is full of righteousness. On that
day a crown of righteousness will be accorded to His faithful followers.
3-4. "Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to
the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; rid them out of the
hand of the wicked."
The principles are declared which should regulate the
halls of justice. On the judgement bench, the poor should ever see the
guardian of their rights. Those who have no interest from wealth and station
should feel that they are safe in rulers who do not regard station and
despise the bribe. Happy are the courts in which pure justice reigns, and
happy the people who are thus ruled! The thought cannot be checked; happy
are those who from their hearts can say to Jesus, 'We believe that You shall
come to be our Judge. We well know that You will deliver us from oppression,
and keep that which we have committed unto You.'
5. "They know not, neither will they understand; they
walk on in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are out of course."
Injustice springs from an unenlightened heart. If eyes
were opened from above, it would be quickly seen that it is wisdom to love
truth. But darkness too often spreads its blinding power. Confusion is the
sure result! The very earth seems tottering. It rests on no stability. Again
we feel that they dwell safely on a rock for whom God's right hand orders
events righteously.
6-7. "I have said, You are gods; and all of you are
children of the Most High. But you shall die like men, and fall like one of
the princes."
God again reminds that all authority is from Him. He
calls magistrates to rule in His name. He confers titles which show that
they must be honored as His deputed officers. But though thus raised, their
origin is dust and ashes. They soon will crumble in their native earth. The
great ones who preceded them had been stripped of all external show, and
laid in the humble grave. They, also, must fall. Where then will be their
supremacy? Wise only, are the earthly judges who hear God's judgment-trumpet
sounding in their ears.
8. "Arise, O God, judge the earth; for You shall
inherit all nations."
From this contemplation faith gladly turns to God. The
cry goes forth that He would quickly take to Himself His great power and
reign, and mold all hearts to be submissive to His will. May glorious
prospects gladden our transported gaze, when we pray, Your kingdom come.