Corruptio optimi pessima est.
We have here a vivid picture of the corruption of men, supposed to be, and who should have been, the best in Israel. It refers to the judges, and tells them how judges are judged (Acts 23:3). And it may be applied to all misuse of power or abuse of trust, where, when, or howsoever any may be guilty thereof. This short psalm tells much concerning—
I. THE DIVINE ESTIMATE OF NATIONS SUCH AS ISRAEL. They are "the congregation of God." This is the true rendering (cf. Numbers 27:17; Numbers 31:16; Joshua 22:16, Joshua 22:17). Israel is no mere fortuitous concourse of individuals, but a chosen people, a congregation of God. They belong to him, are cared for by him; God dwells in, their midst, takes his place—"standeth"—among them. Such nations are really theocracies, no matter what form of earthly government may exist. This name for nations, "the congregation of God," likely, if recognized, to be of salutary power. To the nation itself it will give self-respect, and tend to righteousness. To its governors, a sense of responsibility, and a holy fear lest they abuse their high office.
II. THE DIVINE METHOD OF RULE. By means of vicegerents, who should derive their authority from God, and who should embody in themselves the majesty of law, and in whom men would look to find the most perfect earthly pattern of Divine attributes of truth, and justice, and mercy, and impartiality. The name "gods" is therefore applied to the judges (see also Psalms 82:6, and Exodus 21:6; Exodus 22:8, Exodus 22:28; Exodus 4:16; Perowne). And men are ever on the look out for such; and that form of government is best by which such men are most surely placed in power, and men of an opposite character most surely excluded. And to better ensure such rulership is the intent of the reminder that God himself will judge the judge. Nevertheless, we are shown next—
III. MAN'S FRUSTRATION OF GOD'S PURPOSE. (Psalms 82:2.) This has been a crying evil, not in Israel alone, but wherever God has been unknown or forgotten. The proper duty of the judge is declared in Psalms 82:3, Psalms 82:4; but this they have been tar enough from remembering or practising.
IV. THE CAUSES OF SUCH WRONG.
1. Moral blindness. "They know not."
2. They care not to acquaint themselves with the Law of God. What little they do know they understand not, and they harden themselves in their sin by their "walking in darkness," their habitual practice of evil. There are ever the downward steps in wrong. Then we are shown—
V. THE TERRIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR SIN.
1. To society generally. "All the foundations of the earth are out of course." That is, there is a general breakup of all civil order; anarchy and confusion inevitably ensue. It does not need the Bible to show how exceedingly bitter and evil a thing sin is. The facts of history and the observation of God's providence make that clear enough.
2. To the wrong doers themselves. They had been greatly exalted; they had been regarded, in virtue of their sacred office, as "gods," as "sons of the Most High;" but by their abuse of their trust they should be hurled down as other evil men, and fall low like as they bad seen so many evil princes fall And this not in the natural course of events, but as the result of the awful judgment of God.
CONCLUSION. From all the injustices of earth we may turn to God (Psalms 82:7), and appeal to his judgment. For—blessed be his Name!—we are the inheritance, the real possession, not of ungodly men, but of God. Our true Judge is the true "Son of the Most High" (John 10:34-38).—S.C.
HOMILIES BY R. TUCK