Psalm 82 is another Psalm written
by Asaph to address the issue of unjust judges. The gods referred to in verse 6
were people who stood in the place of God, to represent Him before the people
and to help them cope with their problems. Technically, they are the human
judges who stood in God’s place to guide, counsel and help the people. Unfortunately
they had totally misrepresented Him by their injustice. In verse 1, we see the
true and righteous judge standing among them, observing and evaluating them. He
saw how they had misjudged and mistreated the disadvantaged.
In verses 2-5, God then made His assessment of these unjust judges. He questioned their ability to deal justly, for they were partial and did not deal justly with the wicked. They allowed the poor and needy to be exploited, and failed to come to their assistance. Their actions betrayed their knowledge and character. What they had done shown how little they understood God, hence they groped in darkness in their incapability to deal rightly. God’s verdict of these representatives of His are described in verses 6-7. They were there to reflect God and were delegated with power and authority to represent Him, but they had failed miserably. Hence like everyone else, they too would have to face the consequences of their failure. Verse 8 is a prayer, a petition for God Himself, the true owner of the earth, to take His place and judge. The Psalmist was certain that He would judge the earth with equity.
In verses 2-5, God then made His assessment of these unjust judges. He questioned their ability to deal justly, for they were partial and did not deal justly with the wicked. They allowed the poor and needy to be exploited, and failed to come to their assistance. Their actions betrayed their knowledge and character. What they had done shown how little they understood God, hence they groped in darkness in their incapability to deal rightly. God’s verdict of these representatives of His are described in verses 6-7. They were there to reflect God and were delegated with power and authority to represent Him, but they had failed miserably. Hence like everyone else, they too would have to face the consequences of their failure. Verse 8 is a prayer, a petition for God Himself, the true owner of the earth, to take His place and judge. The Psalmist was certain that He would judge the earth with equity.
As representatives of Christ here in the community, what sort of a conclusion do we like our Lord to have about us? He is among us watching all that we do. The question to address is: As His representative, are we rightly reflecting Him? Have we reflected His justice and fairness or are have we shown the very opposite? We cannot make good impact with people when we poorly reflect Christ. It is needful for us to know Christ clearly, understand His compassion, and then treat people who cross our path the way He would have treated them. Remember, He also stands in our midst to evaluate us!
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