Be Just in Judgment, Fair to All

Top Media Versifier Text Info Notes Tune Timeline Instances

Be just in judgment, fair to all

Versifier: Calvin Seerveld (1985)
Tune: TORONTO (Seerveld)
Published in 2 hymnals

Audio files: MIDI

Representative text cannot be shown for this hymn due to copyright.

Versifier: Calvin Seerveld

Calvin Seerveld (b. 1930) was professor of aesthetics at the Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto from 1972 until he retired in 1995. Educated at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan; the University of Michigan; and the Free University of Amsterdam (Ph.D.), he also studied at Basel University in Switzerland, the University of Rome, and the University of Heidelberg. Seerveld began his career by teaching at Bellhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi (1958-1959), and at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois (1959-1972). A fine Christian scholar, fluent in various biblical and modern languages, he is published widely in aesthetics, biblical studies, and philosophy. His books include Take Hold of God and Pull (1966), The Gr… Go to person page >

^ top

First Line:	Be just in judgment, fair to all
Title:	Be Just in Judgment, Fair to All
Versifier:	Calvin Seerveld (1985)
Meter:	8.6.8.6.4
Language:	English
Copyright:	Text and music © 1987, Calvin Seerveld

Leviticus 19:15-18
(hymns)

^ top

Notes

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

^ top

Tune

TORONTO (Seerveld)

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

Go to tune page >

All tunes published with 'Be Just in Judgment, Fair to All'^ top