Judge of the Nations

This post is part of a devotional series based on our 2019 Bible Reading Calendar.

The wicked will return to sheol–all the nations that forget God. For the needy will not always be forgotten; the hope of the oppressed will not perish forever. Rise up, Lord! Do not let mere humans prevail; let the nations be judged in your presence. Put terror in them, Lord; let the nations know they are only humans. ~ Psalm 9:17-20 (Christian Standard Bible)

Much of the Old Testament speaks of God being judge over the nations. The prophets, especially, show us that God sits enthroned over every government, king, president, and emperor. Israel may have been chosen as his special people, but all nations are subject to his decrees.

David meditated on this theme as well in Psalm 9. He praises God for being the “righteous judge” (9:4) who “executes judgment on the nations with fairness” (9:8). Part of the criterion for judgment here and in the prophets is how the nations treat the poor, needy, and oppressed.

In 9:17-18, David condemns the nations that “forget God” and immediately connects that to the needy and oppressed. A nation that is true to God and his word will not turn its back on the poor, desperate, in need, and outcast. They will not oppress those with little power. Time and time again in Scripture, it is God who stands up for those in need against the oppressor.

In our culture, the power of the government rests in the hands of we the people. The persons and policies we vote for are representatives of our voice. If we truly strive to be a nation that remembers God, we will also remember the struggling, oppressed, and outcast. We will find wise ways to use our vote, voice, and resources to help those in need.