Psalm 82

 


In Psalm 82, God assembles those who have judged unjustly and admonishes them to give justice and protection to the weak, orphan, poor, and needy. Those who rule in moral darkness will be judged by the Most High.  The psalm closes by looking forward to when God will reign in justice. 

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:
  • Verse 1
    • How does the image of the divine council remind us of accountability?
  • Verses 2-4
    • What do these verses show us about how leaders should govern or judge?
  • Verse 5
    • How do those who rule in darkness shake the moral order established by God on earth?
  • Verses 6-7
    • Jesus references Psalm 82:6 in John 10:34-38.  How does this add to our understanding these passages?  [NOTE:  Referring to rulers as "gods" means that they are to be God's representatives when reigning on earth]
  • Verse 8 
    • How does seeing all the wickedness and injustice around us make us yearn even more for Christ to return?

If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video:
  • "The Hand of God" (Psalm 82) by Wendell Kimbrough:  Link


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 149

Image
  Psalm 149 is part of the Final Hallel section (146-150), providing a doxology to the Book of Psalms.  These praise psalms begin and end with "Praise the LORD!" or "Hallelujah!"  This psalm is likely a victory song of praise from God's People to their King for deliverance but also judgment against their enemies. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-5 God's people are called to praise Him no matter where we are, together in assembly (v. 1) as well as alone in our beds (v. 5).  What do these verses teach us about praising the LORD? The last part of verse 4 may be translated "crowns the humble with victory," "adorns the afflicted with salvation," "beautifies the meek with salvation," "glorifies the lowly with salvation," or "exalts the oppressed by delivering them."  C.H. Spurgeon says that each "gives a new shade of meaning, well worthy
Read more

Psalm 120

Image
  Psalm 120 is the first in the Songs of Ascents series (Psalms 120-134). These songs were likely sung during the three annual festival processions to Jerusalem (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles). The Feasts may typically be associated with joy, celebration, and worship, however in Psalm 120, the psalmist is crying out to the LORD in distress.  He is facing lies and deceit, such as from those in the foreign lands around him who hate peace. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-4 Why would it be better to turn to the LORD when facing "lying lips" and "a deceitful tongue"? Verses 5-7 What can we do when we live "among those who hate peace"? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "I Cry Unto the Lord" (Psalm 120) by Timeless Vocal Tapestry: Link
Read more

Psalm 119 (Review)

Image
  Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible. It consists of 22 sections, one for each of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet in order.  Each section has 8 verses, all beginning with that Hebrew letter in the original language. The theme of the psalm is love for God's Word. Several terms are used throughout the psalm to refer to God's Word:  Law ( torah ) - instruction or teaching Testimonies ( edot ) - associated with testifying to God's will according to the covenant Precepts ( piqqudim ) - details on actions to take Statutes or Decrees ( huqqim ) - authoritative written orders prescribed by God Commandments ( miswot ) - commands or orders Rules or Judgments or Ordinances ( mispatim ) - ruling or judgment on what is right and wrong Word or Promise ( dabar ,  imrah ) - spoken promises or revelation Other terms that may also be considered referencing Divine wisdom and revelation are "ways" or "way." Following are some reflections that may be beneficial t
Read more