Just Rulers Are the Foundation of a Stable Society
The psalmist says that God stands ready to judge those who rule on his behalf. God hates injustice, and these God- appointed judges have perverted what is right.
These judges are guilty of injustice and showing partiality to the wicked (1-2). God is righteous and He expects judges to judge righteously and not show favouritism (2 Chron 19:7). Brethren, the fall of any society is swift when those who are to uphold the law and pervert it for their own ends.
God calls human judges and rulers to do the job that God has given them. They must show true justice and preserve the rights of the poor and helpless against the powerful and ungodly (82:3-4).
The psalmist says that with their rulings and actions the rulers reveal their lack of knowledge of what is right (5). They are wilfully ignorant of the truth, and stumble in spiritual darkness. Without the truth they lack discernment in their decisions and true justice is subverted. Because of their decisions, the “foundations of the earth are shaken” (82:5). These are the foundations of society. Whether it is Israel or a Gentile nation, God has prescribed order and justice as the foundation of a stable nation.
God then pronounces His judgement upon these perverters of justice. God gave them great authority over the people as rulers and judges (6). Yet, no matter how high and mighty they are, they will die just like all men (7).
The psalmist’s words 82:8 echo our thoughts today when we see and hear injustice and wickedness. It is a call for God to set things right. It is a call for the return of Christ, who will judge the ungodly and establish everlasting justice for His people (Jn 5:22).