Psalms 82
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God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.
2 How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.
3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
5 They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.
6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
7 But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.
8 Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.
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Commentary
The opening verse of this Psalm evokes a picture of a courtroom. God presides in the great assembly and gives judgment; interestingly, it’s the judges of Israel who are being arraigned. The Righteous Judge reprimands these judges for their bias towards the wicked, and implores them to protect the needs and rights of those who are defenseless.
The same Jesus who counseled his people in the Old Testament scriptures is now showing by the example of His unblemished life how to treat the defenseless, the widows and orphans, and the poor. I see Jesus, tenderly defending the widow with her two mites. I see Jesus, beckoning to the children while urging His friends, “Let the children come to me.” I see Jesus, looking down on His heartbroken mother, and entrusting her into John’s care. What beautiful demonstrations of love! What an insightful view of how Jesus treated people, and how He wants us to treat our fellow man.
What is your favorite story demonstrating Jesus’ tenderness for those who needed Him?
Kimberly Bobenhausen
Southern Adventist University, Tennessee USA
