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Psalm 82 (ESV)

Rescue the Weak and Needy

A Psalm of Asaph.

1 God has taken his place in the divine council;
in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:
² “How long will you judge unjustly
and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
³ Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
⁴ Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

⁵ They have neither knowledge nor understanding,
they walk about in darkness;
all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

⁶ I said, “You are gods,
sons of the Most High, all of you;
⁷ nevertheless, like men you shall die,
and fall like any prince.”

⁸ Arise, O God, judge the earth;
for you shall inherit all the nations!

REFLECTION:

1. The word “gods” in verse 1 and verse 6 refers to the strong ones in Israel, namely, the human rulers or authorities. They were appointed to this high position to give “justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” (vv3-4)
2. Privilege carries responsibility. The greater the privilege, the greater the responsibility. While God has given us great privileges, His is the ultimate responsibility. Thus the psalmist was sure that God who holds men responsible will “rise” and “judge the earth” (v8).
3. What responsibilities do you have to the “weak and the needy”? What about your cell group or church? What can you individually, and as a group, do to fulfill this responsibility?

PRAYER:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what He wants to tell you.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in your spiritual journal.

HYMN:

They Belong to You – www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR_1wSvgQtg