God presides over heaven’s court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings: “How long will you hand down unjust decisions by favoring the wicked? Interlude “Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people. But these oppressors know nothing; they are so ignorant! They wander about in darkness, while the whole world is shaken to the core. I say, ‘You are gods; you are all children of the Most High. But you will die like mere mortals and fall like every other ruler.’” Rise up, O God, and judge the earth, for all the nations belong to you.
Psalms 82:1-8 NLT
God is the great Judge; His judgment and true justice go together. We often think that judgment is a bad thing, but there cannot be justice without judgment. We value leaders who have good judgment, and judgment is needed in dating, driving, finances, and more. Our justice system depends on good judges and good judgment by many people. Judgment is a good thing. This psalm cries out for justice for the poor and the orphan (v.3). Powerful oppressors need to be opposed with the good judgment of those who do what is right. Done correctly, worship is not an escape from the world but a call to living God’s justice in the world.
Verse 6 has been misunderstood by many. This verse is not saying that humans are divine; it needs to be read in context. First, the psalm begins by declaring the One true God (v.1). The psalm acknowledges that humans have been given power (by God) to rule on earth—yet that power is often abused, leading to injustice (vv.3-4). The psalm continues that though we have almost “God-like” power, we will die like mortals (because we are! vv.6-7). Therefore, we should judge well and use our power with humility, remembering that our very lives are judged by the true Judge of the world.
Why is it important to have good judgment? How can you use your power and influence to make the world better?
