Judges Judged

Justice is a major issue in the world today, as it was in the time of the psalmist. Asaph is a courageous man who is prepared, through his prophetic singing, to challenge the integrity of the rulers and judges. He sets the standard of justice in God himself both at the beginning and at the end of the psalm. It is God to whom all human judges and rulers are answerable, and he will judge all people. Too many people who are appointed to rule or judge act without regard for the rights and suffering of the poor and weak of society. They favor the interest of their own class or other influential people.

Society depends on the exercise of justice. Where there is no rule of law, people lack the security that would enable them to prosper in business. Right is not upheld in the face of strength. The bully is lord and the foundations of the state are shaky. Those who rule arbitrarily do not recognize their own position–that one day they will die. However much a leader conspires to perpetuate his rule, the day will come when he is called to account before a superior bar.

This psalm is not only a call to exercise justice in leadership but also a challenge to humility. Those in authority may act as if they are gods to their people, and maybe even expect worship from them, but they will fall and die. Then it will be shown to them that there is only one God, who has the nations as his inheritance. How much better if a ruler or judge remembers God in his ruling, and does not think that he can act without regard to the will of God! This is a subversive psalm to sing before a ruler. May we have the same courage as Asaph!

How did Jesus use this psalm when he was “on trial” (see John 10:30-39)? What responsibility do you have to the weak and needy?