Introduction
Psalm 82: Today’s psalm opens with God rebuking earthly leaders for their unjust judgments. The reading concludes with an affirmation that God is the supreme ruler of the world.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 82:8
Come, O God, and rule the world; all the nations are yours.
Reading
82 God presides in the heavenly council;
in the assembly of the gods he gives his decision:
2 “You must stop judging unjustly;
you must no longer be partial to the wicked!
3 Defend the rights of the poor and the orphans;
be fair to the needy and the helpless.
4 Rescue them from the power of evil people.
5 “How ignorant you are! How stupid!
You are completely corrupt,
and justice has disappeared from the world.
6 ‘You are gods,’ I said;
‘all of you are children of the Most High.’
7 But you will die like mortals;
your life will end like that of any prince.”
8 Come, O God, and rule the world;
all the nations are yours.
Reflect
The “heavenly council” mentioned in verse 1 is likely based on the Canaanite-Syrian idea of a group of gods or godlike beings who surround the supreme god (see also Psalms 29:1; 89:7) and carry out the supreme god’s will. In verses 2–7 the heavenly council is understood to be the ones who communicate God’s rebuke to the earthly rulers. In these verses, what is God saying and how are these unjust rulers being chastised? What are your thoughts as you read these verses?
Pray
Come, O God, and rule the world. You are the one true God and your ways are just and fair. Open my heart, mind, and eyes to the needs of others, and help me to be an instrument of your justice and peace. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 84: A psalm celebrating the joy of worship.
