A view of human life from above.
"God standeth," etc. Earthly greatness, and God's supreme rule of rulers and judgment of judges, are the theme of this sublime, brief psalm. The psalmist takes his stand on the watchtower of inspired prophecy; and gives, as the Bible is wont, a view of human life from above, as seen, not in the light of man's judgment, but God's (1 Samuel 2:8; Luke 1:52).
I. THE OFFICE AND DIGNITY OF RULERS. In the administration of justice, and claim to obedience—enforced, in the last resort, by death penalty—they are God's representatives; therefore here called "gods." The state, in its care of the lives, property, duty, and welfare of its citizens, is a kind of earthly providence, entrusted by God himself with this authority (Romans 13:1-4). Here is no reference or limitation to any special form of government, monarchical or republican, aristocratic or democratic. The right of man to rule over his fellow men, in whatever particular form of government, like the right of parents to the obedience and reverence of their children, can come only from God. Armies can compel submission. Popular will can create offices, and choose men to fill them. But men could never create authority. It belongs to God. In this doctrine of Scripture (and also of common sense) there is no shadow of support for the slavish and monstrous doctrine of "the Divine right of kings," with which the pulpits of England once resounded; or to the claim that hereditary government is more Divine and sacred than elective. What is "ordained of God" is the maintenance of law and justice, for the welfare of the people and punishment of wrong doers, by lawfully constituted public authority.
II. GOD'S SUPREME RULE AND RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT OF EARTHLY RULERS.
1. See the special sins and failures with which the judges or princes el Israel are charged; and the national disorder and danger thence arising (Psalms 82:2-5). Merciful pity for the poor, the oppressed, those bereaved of their natural protectors, is a strong characteristic of Bible morality and religion (James 1:27; James 2:13). Justice is to be enforced for the sake of mercy. We may say that Divine justice is part of Divine mercy; "for God is love."
2. Those high in rank and office are reminded that not only their authority, but their life, is held from God; at his pleasure every moment (Psalms 82:7). The death of great men is among the special means by which God's providence contests earthly affairs. The master hand grows cold, and all the threads of policy it wove snap; the reins it held drop (Psalms 146:3, Psalms 146:4). Therefore the only consolation to the devout patriot, politician, or lover of men is in turning from the injustice, the instability, the errors of human governments to the kingdom of Christ. The prayer of Psalms 82:8 is equivalent to our daily prayer, "Thy kingdom come!" Death, which is the ruin of all other sovereignties, was the foundation of Christ's. What seemed its sudden blood red sunset was indeed its ruddy dawn (Hebrews 2:9).
HOMILIES BY S. CONWAY