Psalm 82 – The Sovereign God is Just
(by Daniel Chew)
The sovereignty of God is the focus of this psalm. It echoes Isaiah 40:23, “He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.” God rules over all those in authority – princes and powers on earth. And He judges according to His holy standards.
The “gods” mentioned in the psalm are most likely human judges who have God-given authority to make decisions and, like God, are to also judge righteously. It is the duty of the ruler to be just, impartial and provide justice for the needy, the fatherless, including upholding the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.
God warns those in authority and possess power to never abuse their positions but to always consider those who are poor and needy, and to rescue them from the wicked. Failing which, they will also fall and face death as any mortal and ruler would. They are not immortal at all!
The psalmist declares that the whole world belongs to God and He will rise up to judge the earth. And that day is coming soon when God will judge all mankind. Let us remember the words “Thy Kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10) as we read this psalm.
Let’s Read Psalm 82
A psalm of Asaph.
1 God presides in the great assembly;
he renders judgment among the “gods”:
2 “How long will you defend the unjust
and show partiality to the wicked?
3 Defend the weak and the fatherless;
uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
5 “The ‘gods’ know nothing, they understand nothing.
They walk about in darkness;
all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
6 “I said, ‘You are “gods”;
you are all sons of the Most High.’
7 But you will die like mere mortals;
you will fall likeevery other ruler.”
8 Rise up, O God, judge the earth,
for all the nations are your inheritance.
Let’s Pray
O Lord Almighty, there is none like You. Who can compare with You? Who is Your equal? None at all! You are the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. As we see injustice and wickedness around us, we are comforted that our God is a God of justice and who loves and cares for His people. Truly we can echo the words of Isaiah that You tend Your flock like a shepherd, gathers us like lambs in Your arms, carries us close to Your heart, and gently leads those with young. We praise You that You are the one and only true God. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
This devotional was kindly contributed by Dr. Chow Li Sze and her channel Heavenly Devotion. You may find the channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/HeavenlyDevotion/videos
About the Heavenly Devotion channel
The Heavenly Devotion channel is dedicated to encouraging you to listen to Bible Scriptures and pray with the Scriptures. They are inspired by the call of service as expressed and exemplified by Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:12-15.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrew 4:12 NKJV)
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