Canon Rob's Reflections

In the centre of the picture is a judge holding a gavel and as you reflect on the psalm set for today, you will find it helpful to keep this image in mind. For Psalm 82 is all about judgement as in a court of law. The Torah, God’s Law passed down to Moses, places great emphasis on the need for real and fair justice especially for the poor. In verse 1 we are offered an image of a heavenly court: “God has taken his stand in the council of heaven; in the midst of the gods he gives judgement.” It is God who is Supreme and He is the Judge over all judges whoever they are. [See John 10.31-38.] Verse 2 gives the reason for God standing up against others who judge: “How long will you judge unjustly and show such favour to the wicked?” This is the translation in Common Worship, but the Jerusalem Bible is even more clear in the condemnation of those who judge unjustly: “No more mockery of justice, no more favouring the wicked!” This unique psalm is possibly a heavenly drama. George Appleton, in his commentary, writes that the author of today’s psalm, “pictures a heavenly assize in which judges are accused of favouring the rich and powerful to the neglect of the poor and needy.” [‘Understanding the Psalms.’] George Appleton was the Archbishop of Jerusalem from 1969 – 1974 and was awarded the Buber-Rosenzweig Medal by the Council of Christians and Jews for his work in developing understanding between the two faiths. He wrote of his time in Israel and how he was impressed by the integrity and courage of the high court judges there, especially when the party in power challenged judgements they didn’t agree with. This is not something peculiar to Israel of course but all who believe in God will know His place above human judges and how, in the Old Testament, especially during the time of Moses, He was quick to condemn false judgements. [See also Isaiah 3.14-15.]

Jesus had much to say about judgement, not least through the parable of the Sheep and Goats. [Matthew 25.31-46.] In this parable the Son of Man, who is Christ himself, will judge between those who have cared for the poor and needy and those who have not. It shows very clearly Jesus’ own care for the “last, the least and the lost.”[‘Interpreting the Parables’ by A.M. Hunter] and the author of today’s psalm takes a similar view about those who sit in judgement upon others. So verses 3 and 4, e.g., begin with what feels like a burst of anger: “You were to judge the weak and the orphan; defend the right of the humble and needy; Rescue the weak and the poor; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Those opening four words shows the justice the ‘heavenly judges’ should be offering and working for! For failing to do so though, they themselves are judged, found wanting and are condemned. “…you shall die like mortals…” [Verse 7.]

In our weekly Services, either the Eucharist or Evensong, there is always a prayer of confession in which we pray that God will have mercy on us and forgive us our sins. However, Psalm 82 is an example of how the authors pray, not so much for mercy, but for justice. The Divine Judge is the One who defends the poor and needy and whilst it is right that we ask God for forgiveness and mercy, we may find we have a greater understanding of God’s judgement when we reflect upon the psalmist’s understanding of judgement. We also often pray for justice in our Sunday morning intercessions and, as we do so, we would surely hope that those who make judgements which affect other people, especially the poor, vulnerable and needy, will ensure that they receive the justice which is their right. Today’s psalm is, of course, addressed to the people of Israel at a certain time in their history. But it’s message is for all nations and for all time. The world today is crying out for justice, for freedom, for peace and these are things which God wants for all people, just as we do, and God is the One who is the Judge of all of us.