‘Save the weak’ (3)
Psalm 82 is fundamental teaching on the importance of justice in the world. God is imagined amongst other gods berating them for their partiality as unfair judges:
How long will you judge unjustly, and show favour to the wicked?
Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.
Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Verses 3 to 5
Governments have not found reliable models in the wake of Keynsian economics, free market, Global Financial Crisis, neo-conservative and a host of other phases in economic theory and governance. Failure to implement effective counter-balances have seen a relentless growth of the gap between haves and have-nots in many countries.
The Berlin Wall and memorial plaques mentioned earlier (Psalms 5, 78) are just a few of many reminders of the failure of, and constant need for, policies for greater justice, inclusivity and equity in our communities.
Psalms For All Seasons refrain in 82B, ‘The Lord hears the cry of the poor’, reflects this concern. Verses are sung to a tune.
Despite the importance of its message, there are very few good musical setting of this psalm, whether classical ro modern. This contemporary song has the benefit of clear words and reverent atmosphere:
Psalms in the South 