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Day 218

Psalm 82:4a "Deliver the poor and the needy..."

Day 218 – Psalm 82

“Deliver the poor and the needy…” Psalm 82:4a

DEFENDING AND DELIVERING

Asaph issued a triple call to all who were in the seat of power.

“Defend the poor and fatherless;
Do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Deliver the poor and needy;
Free them from the hand of the wicked.”
Psalm 82:3-4

1. “The hand of the wicked”

a) The wicked would mercilessly assail the defenceless.
b) They would stop at nothing to obtain their goals.

2. Triple action needed against the hand of the wicked

a) Defending the poor and the needy.
i) Defending the poor and the needy gives hope.
ii) They need all the help they can get.
b) Doing justice.
i) The judicial system given by God would be upheld.
ii) Justice would be served.
c) Deliver the poor and needy… free them.
i) Deliverance is the ultimate goal.
ii) Freedom from the grasp of the wicked was a noble goal indeed.

A CHALLENGE TO UPHOLD JUSTICE TODAY

What Asaph wrote centuries ago is relevant and real in today’s context. The wicked continue to assail the weak and the helpless. The need to uphold justice is just as relevant today.

1. Those in power must practise accountability.

2. The needs of the weak and helpless must be given due consideration for these are basic and inalienable rights.