📅 February 16: Psalm 81, 82 - Everlasting Judgement and Divine Justice

Daily Bible Readings February
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:date: February 16: Psalm 81, 82 - Everlasting Judgement and Divine Justice.

:earth_africa: Introduction

Today, we journey through ‘Psalm 81 and 82’, two psalms that reveal the sovereignty of God and his judgement over the nations. They remind us of Heaven’s righteous court, where God sits as the supreme judge over earthly powers—and He calls us to join Him in this quest for justice.

:trumpet: Psalm 81: A call to Celebrate His Divine Providence

God urges us to worship Him with gladness, blowing trumpets, harps, and tambourines, expressions of exuberant joy. This joyful celebration carries a subtle reminder of God’s protection from Egyptian bondage.
:scroll: Key Verse: “In your distress you called, and I rescued you, I answered you out of a thundercloud.” – Psalm 81:7

:balance_scale: Psalm 82: God’s Judgement over the Nations

Here, we witness God standing in the divine assembly, denouncing the unjust practises of powerful earthly rulers, reminding us of his ultimate authority and role as the supreme judge. He calls on humanity to defend the weak and fatherless, uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
:scroll: Key Verse: “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” – Psalm 82:3

:sparkles: Key Themes and Reflections

  1. Divine Justice and Authority: From earthly courts to heavenly judgements, God’s authority transcends all.

  2. The call to Advocacy and Mercy: We are encouraged to carry God’s heart for justice into our daily dealings, supporting those who cannot support themselves.

:bulb: Today’s Application

Reflect on your role as God’s advocate. How can you uphold the cause of the disadvantaged in your community? Do you elevate God’s justice and mercy, regardless of your position in society?

:mag: Hidden Gem

Did you know, Psalm 82:6, “I said, ‘You are “gods”; you are all sons of the Most High.'”, was quoted by Jesus Himself to the Pharisees in John 10:34 to express His divine nature?

:thought_balloon: Reflective Q&A

:question: What roles do celebration and judgement play in God’s Kingdom on earth?
A: They remind us of God’s benevolence and His justice.

:question: How can I apply Psalm 82:3 in my life?
A: Seek opportunities to serve and advocate for those in need—be it through volunteer work, financial sponsorship or spreading awareness.

:speech_balloon: Join the Discussion
What are your reflections on God’s justice and authority in Psalm 81, 82?

:date: See You Tomorrow in Psalm 83, 84:

A sneak peek into God’s protection over His beloved and the beauty of dwelling in God’s presence.

Let’s carry forward this reflection on God’s Authority and Justice, reminding ourselves to be advocates of His mercy.

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Psalms 81,82
Psalm 81 is used by the Jews as a New Year’s Song. It commemorates the Day of the Trumpets (Lev. 23:24; Num. 29:1), followed by Yom Kipporim, the Day of Coverings (Atonement), and culminated in the glorious Day of Tabernacles. So the song rejoices in the goodness of Yahweh. The Levites presented the singing, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. When we apply those same principles into our worship, recognizing the joy of the spiritual “new year” we will find our worship becomes enthusiastic and joyous. We will no longer be hindered by an overburdening concern about the small troubles experienced, but recognise that Yahweh’s hand of providence is always extended. Hence the Psalm commences with Rejoicing in the Harmony of Yahweh (vv. 1-5), then comes the element of distress in the wilderness (vv. 6-10), recalling Israel’s failure, and its result (vv. 11-16). It is the story of the lives of the journeyings along the pathway of life, and we so often find ourselves repeating the sad story of Israel. But the joy of association with divine principles is emphasized as the song concludes: Yahweh will feed the finest of the wheat and honey out of the rock. The Land was before them; the Millennium is before us. Thus follows Psalm 82, which reveals the Judgment Hall of God. He is the Guardian of true justice, and will dispense punishment to the deceitful. Our high honour is to serve Him and to manifest the divine judgment against sin in all its manifestations. In that way, righteousness is upheld. Yahweh judged Israel in the person of His Son; Yahshua will soon return to judge spiritual Israel, and “inherit all nations” (v. 8). Verse 8 is one of the great prayers of the Scriptures, seen in Psalm 68; it being the morning prayer of Israel (Num. 10:35), and is followed by the evening prayer: both reflective of the joyous day of Yahweh’s glory: the Millennium. What a great privilege we bear. — Logos