“Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicke.” (Psalm 82:3-4).
This week we will see another aspect of God’s care for the orphans and fatherless. He will always make sure they are protected, and, whatever they are entitled to, they will receive.
The NIV Study Bible states this about today’s verses: “In the Old Testament a first-order task of kings and judges was to protect the powerless against all who would exploit or oppress them.” A cross-reference to our verses is found in Jeremiah 22:3: “Thus saith the Lord; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.” God made it pretty plain—He would be there to rescue and defend the needy.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Consider needy individuals around you—in your church, neighborhood and community. Pray about what God would have you do to defend and care for these persons.
