It is a thousand years before Peter wrote his letters. The same God is at work overseeing mighty powers on high, and is simultaneously pouring out his heart for the poor. Who are these ‘gods’ in verses 1 and 6? Are they some sort of supernatural being? Or is the psalmist alluding to the supernaturally large egos of over-mighty human beings? At any rate, two ideas from this psalm are clear. First, the one true God rules over all. He is the ultimate judge. Secondly, this God who reigns on high has a special heart for the poor of the earth. The sections here demanding justice and human rights are a few of more than two thousand similar Bible verses. I am afraid many of us skip around them whilst perhaps searching for a verse to back up our personal hobby-horses. 

This psalm suggests that, in particular, the wealthy and those in high positions must take responsibility for delivering justice in God’s name. Daily Bread readers and writers are probably included in those who cannot easily be let off the hook in this respect. Of course, circumstances vary but I blush to think what Asaph the psalmist might make of my western affluence.

‘The Lord reigns for ever and ever.’¹ Lord, we worship you today, Ruler over all of creation and all of our circumstances. 

The psalmist issues a heartfelt plea to see justice done in the hearers’ context and experience. The term ‘gods’ is a debated one. Some think this refers to deities who competed for Israel’s affection; others think it refers to earthly rulers and nations who need to account for their actions. Whichever view we take, the psalmist focuses our mind not on the ‘gods’ but on the One God, the Lord. It is he who presides over the ‘great assembly’ and assigns judgement on their actions (v 1). It is God who is eternal and unshakeable, not the ‘gods’, for they will one day perish and fall (v 7). The ‘gods’ are temporary, but the Lord is permanent and reigns for ever. 

This is sobering reading and reflection for all of us. Any of us who think ourselves of any importance are reminded that, one day, even the most powerful will die and face God’s judgement and that our wisdom and knowledge pale into insignificance in comparison to that of the Lord (v 5). 

This is also, of course, a great comfort to a people who are often oppressed by powerful neighbouring nations and who so often are at the whim of a regional despot. Even those who exercise great earthly power are subject to the all-powerful one. 

The heartfelt cries of despair (vs 2–4) express a longing for justice to be served and for the Lord to act in compassion and mercy. With hindsight we are comforted by the certainty that the Lord will and does act and that an end to injustice and oppression will one day come, when God’s kingly rule breaks out across the earth and all will be made well.  

Lord of the nations, grant us grace to persevere in the struggles, grant us hope that a new day is dawning, grant your mercy towards those who propagate injustice. 

¹ Exod 15:18