The Book of Praise ‎#51

51. There where the judges gather

1 There where the judges gather,
a greater takes the seat;
"How long," God asks the judges,
"will you pronounce deceit?
How long show special favour
to those of ill repute?
How long neglect the orphan,
the poor and destitute?

2 Deal justly with the needy;
protect the powerless;
deliver the afflicted
from those who would oppress,
but you are surely blinded;
you do not understand;
therefore foundations totter;
injustice rocks the land."

3 God speaks: "I named you rulers,
to serve the Most High God,
but you shall die as mortals
and perish by my rod."
Arise, O God, in judgement,
your sovereignty make known,
for yours are all the nations;
the peoples are your own.

Text Information

• First Line: There where the judges gather
• Title: There where the judges gather
• Paraphraser: Henry Zylstra, 1909-1956 (alt.)
• Meter: 7 6 7 6 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1997
• Scripture:
  Psalm 82
• Topic: God: King; God: Justice of; Metrical Psalms; Nations; Social Concerns / Social Justice
• Copyright: Public Domain
• ONE LICENSE: 128539
• Notes: Alternate tune: ST. THEODULPH

Tune Information

• Name: MUNICH
• Arranger: Felix Mendelssohn, 1809-1847
• Meter: 7 6 7 6 D
• Key: D Major
• Source: Neuvermehrtes Gesangbuch 1693
• Copyright: Public Domain