Swift Judgement on The Judges

Commentary

The Psalmist gives a series of graphic pictures showing the certain fate of those who corrupt the justice system:

1. A disarmed lion (v. 6).  David could picture himself as a shepherd tending the sheep when a lion would attack. He would be helpless with just his shepherd’s staff. It was only the Lord who could knock out the lion’s teeth. He sees the unjust judges of Israel with all their teeth knocked out.
2. A dried-up stream (v. 7). As long as there is plenty of rain the streams will run swiftly.  However, when the rains stop the streams will soon dry up. This is true of the unjust judge who ceases to be honest in his dealings.
3. A melting snail (v. 8a). In the ancient lands it was thought that the slimy track left by a snail would become smaller and smaller until it had wasted away to nothing. This is what David wanted to happen to the judges.
4. An untimely birth (v. 8b). Whether a miscarriage or an abortion a life so full of promise that is suddenly cut off is a tragic picture indeed. Such is the life of an unjust judge.
5. A disrupted meal (v. 9). Picture a meal being prepared outdoors over an open fire. All at once a whirlwind comes by and scatters fire, pots and pans and all the food. Such were the wicked magistrates and judges of Israel as seen by David.

When right triumphs “the righteous shall rejoice” (v. 10). We can be assured that there will be a day of accountability and that God judges fairly (v. 11).

Application

Am I consistent in my dealing with all people whether they be friend or foe? It is so easy to show favoritism to some and ignore others.