154. Be Just in Judgment, Fair to All
Text Information |
First Line: |
Be just in judgment, fair to all |
Title: |
Be Just in Judgment, Fair to All |
Versifier: |
Calvin Seerveld (1985) |
Meter: |
86 86 4 |
Language: |
English |
Publication Date: |
1987 |
Scripture: |
; |
Topic: |
Law of God; Society/Social Concerns; Covenant; Justice; Obedience; Stewardship (3 more...) |
Copyright: |
Text and music © 1987, Calvin Seerveld |
Text Information:Scripture References:
st. 1 = Lev. 19:15
st. 2 = Lev. 19:16-17
st. 3 = Lev. 19:18
Leviticus 19:15-18, on which "Be Just in Judgment" is based, is part of a series of laws the LORD gave to Israel through Moses, saying, "Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy" (19:2). The LORD commands the people to live holy lives–that is, in a wholesome manner with their neighbors to bring honor to God, who is holy.
Calvin Seerveld (PHH 22) wrote this song in 1985 for the Psalter Hymnal as a challenge for the Institute for Christian Studies (ICS), Toronto, Canada (where he was a professor), and, more broadly, to all creatures, institutions, and cultural movements ¬to hear the enduring Word of the LORD.
Liturgical Use:
By congregation or choir during the service of confession and forgiveness; other occasions inviting acts of dedication and commitment; services focusing on the roles of civil, business, academic, military, and ecclesiastical leaders.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook
Tune Information:Seerveld named his tune TORONTO, after his city of residence. This common-meter tune features an added fifth phrase that acts as a refrain. Sing lines 1 through 4 in harmony, but join together in unison on the refrain. Dale Grotenhuis (PHH 4) harmonized TORONTO in 1986.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook