Psalm 82
Today's Passage: Psalm 82
Psalm 82 begins with the visual of God taking his place. Like a king ascending to a throne, God is seated where He belongs. He does not have to earn the right to judge creation, it is already His.
When you read that he sits among the gods you probably ask, “Wait, what does that mean?” In Enduring Word, David Guzik lists out the different meanings for this word, but settles that the best reference in this case is to “human judges who stand in the place of God in their ability to determine the fate of others.”
God addresses these judges directly. He begins by questioning the injustice they have allowed and the favoritism they have given the wicked. With the Selah, the words of God take a pause. Almost taking a second to mourn that the judges designated to represent God had turned from Him to pursue sin.
God clearly presents their task to them. They were chosen to represent justice and mercy, to rescue others from wickedness and sin. However, the Psalmist gives us a glimpse into their hearts that they choose to live in darkness and they will live unstable lives driven by their pride.
These judges were intended to be leaders. They were looked up to by those around them, but, despite how high they may hold their heads, they will fall because of their sin.
The Psalmist, Asaph, seems to be heartbroken by the wickedness that he sees around him, and he ends by pleading for God to rise and judge the earth.
Are you heartbroken today over the wickedness that you see around you? Does it feel like darkness and instability rule? What would it look like for you to humble yourself today?
There is one God who holds all things, and when we put our hope in Him we will not walk in darkness, but in the light.
Written By: Paulette Carwile
Psalm 82 begins with the visual of God taking his place. Like a king ascending to a throne, God is seated where He belongs. He does not have to earn the right to judge creation, it is already His.
When you read that he sits among the gods you probably ask, “Wait, what does that mean?” In Enduring Word, David Guzik lists out the different meanings for this word, but settles that the best reference in this case is to “human judges who stand in the place of God in their ability to determine the fate of others.”
God addresses these judges directly. He begins by questioning the injustice they have allowed and the favoritism they have given the wicked. With the Selah, the words of God take a pause. Almost taking a second to mourn that the judges designated to represent God had turned from Him to pursue sin.
God clearly presents their task to them. They were chosen to represent justice and mercy, to rescue others from wickedness and sin. However, the Psalmist gives us a glimpse into their hearts that they choose to live in darkness and they will live unstable lives driven by their pride.
These judges were intended to be leaders. They were looked up to by those around them, but, despite how high they may hold their heads, they will fall because of their sin.
The Psalmist, Asaph, seems to be heartbroken by the wickedness that he sees around him, and he ends by pleading for God to rise and judge the earth.
Are you heartbroken today over the wickedness that you see around you? Does it feel like darkness and instability rule? What would it look like for you to humble yourself today?
There is one God who holds all things, and when we put our hope in Him we will not walk in darkness, but in the light.
Written By: Paulette Carwile
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