Psalms 82:1-8 - Homilies By C. Short
A solemn rebuke
addressed to those who, pledged by their office to uphold the Law, had trampled upon it for their own selfish ends.
I. GOD 'S RELATION TO RULERS . ( Psalms 82:1 .)
1 . He has appointed them to a Divine work. They are to represent the justice and righteousness of God.
2 . He holds them responsible for their manner of doing it. Judges them.
II. THE RIGHT USE AND THE ABUSE OF RESPONSIBLE POWER . (Verses 2-4.)
1 . The right use of power. To give justice and redemption to the poor and defenceless. To defend the helpless and the oppressed.
2 . The abuse of power. "To accept the persons of the wicked" is to favour their cause on account of their position or station.
III. THE CORRUPTION OF RULERS DEMORALIZES SOCIETY . (Verse 5.) "The foundations of the earth are out of course."
1 . The example of men high in station is more influential than that of others.
2 . Law unjustly administered demoralizes and degrades a people.— S.
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