RISE UP, O GOD, JUDGE THE EARTH

Psalm 82:1-8 / Keywords 82:8

Rise up, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are your inheritance.

 

1. This psalm is about God’s justice and judgment. God is the only truly righteous judge. The word “gods” in this psalm (1,5,6) refers to human judges. Many people in history have regarded themselves as “gods.” These human judges, whether Jewish or Gentile, were not making fair judgment. Rather, they were siding with the wicked and the unjust. Human judgment is often ignorant, like walking in darkness. But human rulers will die just like everyone else.

 

2. The psalm closes in prayer, “Rise up, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are your inheritance” (8). He appeals to God to defend the weak, the fatherless, the poor, and the oppressed—those who have no defense. Only God is qualified to judge correctly, because the world and everything in it belongs to God.

 

Prayer Lord God, how often we are prone to bad judgment, so may I not play the judge. Worldly rulers use their authority according to their own whims and standards. But you are the righteous Judge and everything and everyone belongs to you. Judge in righteousness, and also in mercy. In Jesus’ name.

One Word God’s judgment is just and right