INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 82, Read 2 Chronicles 19
This is another of Asaph's Psalms, probably written in the time of King Jehosophat, when he had just returned from one of his battles with King Ahab. He was met by the prophet Jehu, who made him feel accountable by God for some of the leadership decisions he had previously made. Jehosophat decided it was time he made further reformations in Jerusalem, by introducing a Judicial system, both with the priests in spiritual matters and judges in civil matters. This division of authority became a model for latter Judaism law.
"Without good and wholesome laws and justice, no nation can prosper." Adam Clarke.
Jehosophat said to them: "Always think carefully before pronouncing judgement. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the Lord. He will be with you when you render the verdict in each case. Fear the Lord and judge with integrity, for the Lord our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality and the taking of bribes." 2 Chronicles 19:6-7 (NLT)
They were appointed to administer justice without favouring the rich or poor and without succumbing to pride and self interest. God instructs the judges, through Jehosophat, to defeat those too weak to defend themselves - to maintain their rights - and to rescue them from the wicked. This did not include bribery. They were to judge within the Law of the Lord.
This Psalm is also concerned about the problem of unjust judges. Judges are God's representatives. They were responsible to "promote justice, punish evildoers and defend the weak and oppressed." Unfortunately, they had failed in their task. Adam Clarke had a better opinion of the judges in his day - 1822:
"In Asaph's day they are ignorant and do not wish to be instructed. They will not learn and cannot teach. Happy England! All the judges are learned, righteous and impartial. Never did greater men in their profession dignify any land or country." Adam Clarke
In Asaph's day the "poor and fatherless" were often the targets of unjust treatment. It was up to the judges to see that justice was done. The mood of the Psalm suggests that God's patience with corrupt leadership was exhausted. Partiality and unjust judgement needed to come to an end. RIGHTEOUS RULE NEEDED TO BE RESTORED!
"Judges should feel themselves in the place of God and judge as those who know they shall be judged for their judgements." Adam Clarke
"These were Jehosophats instructions to them: "You must always act in fear of the Lord, with faithfulness and an undivided heart." 2 Chronicles 19:9
Asaph ends this Psalm by speaking about a RIGHTEOUS RULER AND JUDGE - JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF. Psalm 82 is still relevant today, as we bow our knee to our Lord and Saviour, and seek to serve Him righteously, guided by His Law (the Word of God) in all the decisions we make.
GOD CALLS TOGETHER HIS JUDGES - Read Psalm 82:1-4
Asaph pictures God standing in the assembly of "earthly leaders" to whom He has given the authority as "judges". They are called "Elohim (gods)" because of their responsibility to represent God.
"Jesus replied, "It is written in the Scriptures that God said to certain leaders of the people, "I say you are gods"! John 10:34 (NLT)
The weak, fatherless and afflicted - the poor and needy - must be cared for and protected from the rich and powerful. God condemned Israel's leaders and judges for they had no partiality - they were no "respecter of persons". The test of a Godly leader, even today, is how he/she treats the poor and oppressed. Any ruler who reflects God's image, as His child, needs to have this concern for the afflicted and downtrodden.
"Cease to do evil and learn to do well. Look not on the interests of the wealthy, but protect the rights of the poor. Deliver the poor and needy. It is a brave thing when a man can deliver a victim from bondage. To often the law has been an instrument of vengeance in the hand of inscrupulous men. It is up to the judge to prevent such villiany." Charles Spurgeon
"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt them." James 1:27.
Earthly leaders and judges must be reminded that they serve in God's place. They have their position because God has placed them there. He has appointed them, as Jehoshaphat had seen his men at first: as "courageous, obedient servants". It was their job to do what was good and wholesome, to follow God's Laws, and to trust in God to help them in their tasks.
"There is nothing the world needs more today than the administration of strict, impartial justice." Morgan, cited by David Guzik.
JUDGING THE JUDGES - Read Psalm 82:5-8
When judges know no justice, a nation is in a bad way. They walk in darkness and ignorance. Despite their high standing and high opinion of themselves, the leaders and judges in Israel were ignorant of the real needs in their towns. This darkness and arrogant pride meant that the lives of the people they served were shaken and unstable.
In the second part of the Psalm these leaders and judges were confronted with their injustice. God reminded them that they were "children of God", made in His image and therefore, they were judging on God's authority, and if done the right way, they would able to change people's lives for the good.
This Psalm should serve as a warning to all who lead, especially in Judicial positions. Power has been given, but through power comes service, and they are accountable for the judgements they make.
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45 (NLT)
Asaph closes the Psalm with a plea to God to take His place as ultimate judge. This "inheritance" belonged to His Son Jesus Christ - the Most Righteous Judge. The time will come when all of us will stand before this Judge, and be judged in the same way we have judged others.
"Rise up, O God, and judge the earth, for all the nations belong to You." Psalm 82:8
"It is only by the universal spread of Christianity around the world that the reign of righteousness and justice is to be established. Of whom can it be said that "He shall inherit all nations." but of Jesus Christ." Adam Clarke
CONCLUSION
Finally, we as Christians must also be concerned with social justice, even if we are not in a position of leadership. Many of us are still at times apathetic to the needs of the weak and oppressed, but God urges us to "evaluate our position". The judges and rulers of our day may have failed, or they may have not, but we will be held accountable for how we have served and given of ourselves. That is why the Lord came the first time, and it is why He will come again!
"For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you invited me into your home. I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you cared for me.
I was in prison and visited me. Then these righteous ones will reply: "Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?" And the King will say, "I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" Matthew 25:35-40
"The Holy Bible, New Living Translation", 2015, Tyndale House Foundation.
Clarke, Adam, 1832, "Bible Commentary - Psalm 82, 2 Chronicles 19", Studylight.org
Deffinbaugh, Bob, 2004, "Psalm 82 - The Judgement of the `Gods', Bible.org
Donovan, Richard, 2019, "Biblical Commentary - Psalm 82", sermonwriter.com
Guzik, David, 2020, "Psalm 82 - Earthly Judges Before the Great Judge", Enduringword.com
Spurgeon, David, 2020, "Treasury of David - Commentary on Psalms", Christianity.com
