“I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.” (Psalm 119:121)
The Hebrew word mishpat is one of the eight terms used in Psalm 119 to identify the Word of God. The psalmist used mishpat in the opening of this stanza (Psalm 119:121–128) to declare his obedience to God’s “judgments” and ask for protection against those who oppress the Lord’s people.
Sometimes the Lord seems to delay action against those who rebel against truth. The prophet Habakkuk lived during such a time.
O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! . . . for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth. (Habakkuk 1:2–4)
During such times, we need “surety” (Psalm 119:122) from God to strengthen our minds. Paul warned Timothy of “perilous times” (2 Timothy 3:1) ahead but also reminded him of God’s pledge: “They shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was” (v. 9).
After pleading his case, the psalmist stated, “It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law” (Psalm 119:126). He expressed his love for the commandments—exceeding his desire for wealth—and concluded, “Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way” (v. 128). May our hearts be as resolute and as strong amid our opposition. Make it so, Lord Jesus. HMM III
Days of Praise Podcast is a podcast based on the Institute for Creation Research quarterly print devotional, Days of Praise. Start your day with devotional readings written by Dr. Henry Morris, Dr. Henry Morris III, Dr. John Morris, and others to strengthen and encourage you in your Christian faith.
