Arise, O God, &c.— Arise, O God, judge the land thyself: for thou art the rightful possessor of all nations: "Since the judges, thy vicegerents, are so corrupt, take the government of the land into thine own hands." Green. This verse in a higher sense may refer to the reign of the Messiah; who was to have the heathen, &c. Psalms 2:8 and to whom God would commit all judgment, John 5:22.
REFLECTIONS.—1st, All power is from God: the powers that are, are ordained of God: a strong argument to enforce our obedience, and to engage them to rule with uprightness, knowing from whom they have received authority, and to whom they are accountable for the use of it.
1. God's presence and presidence in the congregations of the mighty, and among the gods, are asserted. The magistrates of the earth, who receive their honour from him, as his vicegerents upon earth, are appointed to administer judgment with impartiality, according to God's holy word; and his eye is ever upon them, observing their conduct, for which they must answer before him in the great day of his appearing and glory.
2. God gives a solemn charge to his delegates. They are to be the defenders of the poor and fatherless; to do justice to the afflicted and needy, whose poverty, and want of friends to vindicate their rights, expose them to injuries; and, however great or rich their oppressors, they must deliver them out of their wicked hands. Note; (1.) They who are poor, are too often trampled upon. (2.) It is a grievous thing when the law is made so expensive, that the poor cannot right themselves; or the injury sustained is more tolerable, than the method of redress.
3. God lodges an accusation against wicked magistrates. How long will ye judge unjustly, and make oppression more intolerable under the sanction of the law? and accept the persons of the wicked? awed by their greatness, or swayed by personal regard, or influenced by bribes? They know not, neither will they understand: plain as the case is, they know not to fear God, and to do justice, and wilfully pervert judgment. They walk on in darkness, partiality having blinded their eyes, and studiously avoiding the light of truth; in consequence of which, all the foundations of the earth are out of course, or moved; for when magistrates are thus unjust and oppressive, confusion and every evil work must ensue. This description is very applicable to the Jewish rulers in the days of Christ, to whom it may also prophetically refer.
2nd, God can humble the highest when they abuse their power.
1. He pronounces their doom. I have said, Ye are gods; have given you authority as my delegates; and all of you are children of the Most High, exalted to a state of singular eminence. But think not your greatness will protect you in the abuse of your power; for ye shall die like men; though as gods in the eyes of men, yet ye are dying worms in the sight of God, and ready to fall like one of the poor whom ye despise, and to be brought before God's dread tribunal, to answer the charges lodged against you. Note; The mightiest men are mortal; let them therefore stand in awe, and sin not, lest they provoke God to cut them down.
2. The Psalmist looks up to God as the judge of the earth, to redress these grievances; and this in the high sense with a particular respect to the coming of Christ, for which he prays, who "will judge the folk righteously:" and being appointed heir of all things, and having all judgment committed to him in heaven and in earth, will come quickly according to his promise, and restore all things; redressing the evils his people have suffered in this disordered world, and recompensing tribulation to those who troubled them: so come, Lord Jesus!