SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Psalm 82:1-8
Galatians 6:7-10

“Judge not according to the appearance,
but judge righteous judgment.”

A JUDICIAL PSALM

David says, “He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God” (2 Sam 23:3). When judges “judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked,” it is because they are distorted by bribery.

Asaph saw so much corruption in the courts of law that he wrote this Psalm to rebuke wickedness in high places. He reminded the judges what high position they held. They were called “gods,” the same Hebrew word “Elohim” which term is also used for God Almighty. They were God’s representatives on earth. The Westminster Confession declares God “has ordained civil magistrates, to be, under Him, over the people, for His own glory, and the public good … for the defence and encouragement of them that are good, and for the punishment of evil doers.”

His judgment must be like the balance that shows a fifty-fifty fairness. Especially towards widows and orphans and the poor and afflicted who are helpless. They need succour in their hour of need. They cannot be rescued from the clutches of the wicked, except by the power of law. Paradoxically, the judges who are to deliver them have lost their sense under the seduction of money, so they who are to give light rather grope in darkness (Ps 82:5).

Asaph is corroborated by the prophet Micah, “The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money …” (Mic 3:11). Beware, pastors and preachers, and Church leaders who hold the key of power in the Church. Do we judge righteously among members of the Church?

THOUGHT: “God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.” (Ps 82:1)
PRAYER: Lord, help me to be just and fair.