Saturday, March 22, 2008

Psalm 82

Psalm 82 (A psalm of Asaph)

"God presides in the great assembly;
he gives judgement among the "gods";

How long will you defend the unjust
and show partiality to the wicked?

Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

They know nothing, they understand nothing.
They walk about in darkness;
all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

"I said, 'You are "gods";
you are all sons of the Most High.'
But you will die like mere men;
you will fall like every other ruler."

Rise up, O God, judge the earth,
for all the nations are your inheritance.

This psalm reminds us of God's sovereignty and that even though He has ordained selected kings and judges to represent Him in executing judgement on the people, He has the ultimate judgement over us and the earth.

The psalmist termed the earthly rulers and judges "gods" where at that time, they showed partiality to the unjust and wicked, and oppressed the poor.

Throughout history, many unjust kings and rulers were overthrown by the people as the latter revolt against them through violence. Let us be still before God and like the psalmist, present any injustice and wrongdoings unto Him and not take things unto our own hands. For the "gods" are mere mortals and surely God will deliver His people out of darkness.