(1) Overview
(BKC) Declaring that God judges His human judges, Asaph called for Him to act on His justice. Asaph warned that judges without understanding, who ignore God’s appointment of them, will perish.
(2) Outline
(BKC)
A. God judges human judges (82:1)
82:1. The psalmist envisioned God presiding over an assembly of judges. The word gods (’ělōhîm) is used here for authorities in Israel (Ex. 21:6; 22:8–9)... the remainder of the psalm clarifies that these are God’s representatives who are in authority on earth.
B. God’s indictment of judges (82:2–7)
Using God’s words, the psalmist warned these magistrates to do their jobs right.
82:2–5. The indictment (v. 2), given in the form of a rhetorical question, is that His people were unjust and partial...Instead they should judge fairly and champion the cause of the oppressed (including the weak … fatherless … poor, and needy). This is the essence of righteous judging.
A. God judges human judges (82:1)
82:1. The psalmist envisioned God presiding over an assembly of judges. The word gods (’ělōhîm) is used here for authorities in Israel (Ex. 21:6; 22:8–9)... the remainder of the psalm clarifies that these are God’s representatives who are in authority on earth.
B. God’s indictment of judges (82:2–7)
Using God’s words, the psalmist warned these magistrates to do their jobs right.
82:2–5. The indictment (v. 2), given in the form of a rhetorical question, is that His people were unjust and partial...Instead they should judge fairly and champion the cause of the oppressed (including the weak … fatherless … poor, and needy). This is the essence of righteous judging.
However, the human judges under God’s indictment roam the earth without spiritual or intellectual understanding and in moral darkness so that the foundations of the earth are shaken, that is, law and order are undermined.
82:6–7. God warned the wicked judges that they will perish. He had appointed them as “gods” (cf. v. 1) and as sons of the Most High, His representatives on earth. But despite their exalted position, they were held accountable by God. Jesus appealed to verse 6 when He was accused of blasphemy (John 10:34). Since Israel’s judges were, in a sense, “sons” of God, Jesus said He was not blaspheming to call Himself the Son of God.
C. Call for judgment (82:8)
82:8. Asaph called on God to arise and judge the earth, that is, all its inhabitants, for all are His and therefore are responsible to Him.
(3) Reflection: I think about the situation in HK when I read this. What is the base of Law is to help and save the oppressed because they lack that ability. The judge restraint the evil in people's heart by the authority from God. They themselves are judged by God.
When they fail to do so the foundations of the earth crumble or (NET) threatens the social order of the world. If other words, the social order now in HK cannot stand for very long.
Yet, the psalm gives me hope. The author reminds us and the judges that they will die because they are mortal. The final judgement by God will always be just. Therefore, the author longs for that day and so do I.
Audrey
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