Unfair and unjust judges are the main focus of this psalm. At least, that is where the psalm begins, as David describes a world of injustice in the first verses and then calls for vengeance in the latter part of this psalm. Old Testament judges had complete authority. They were not accountable to a higher court unless they chose to avoid deciding for some reason – either personal or political. In a world of injustice, tyranny, and oppression are the rules rather than the exceptions. Man’s injustice toward his fellowmen is part of our fallen nature. We want things to be favorable to us, even at the expense of others.
The early verses of this psalm describe the wicked judges first and then extend to humanity by our sinful nature. Unjust judges plan to dispense crooked decisions and manipulate their judgments to their own advantage. Corrupt earthly judges give us little hope of justice being carried out in this life. The mouths of unjust judges unite with their hands and hearts to pursue injustice, which leads to immoral lives, wicked actions and decisions, and sinful violence that is second nature to human beings. What the judges allow, the population will take further.
So, this causes the righteous to wonder what they should do. Is it right to remain silent when injustice happens? Who should speak out? What should we say and do? The wicked enemies openly speak lies. They are out to injure other people for their own advantage. They will not listen to reason and fairness nor take advice from those who have common sense, let alone those who speak for God. For us to sympathize with the unjust when the righteous judgment of God is directed against the wickedness they commit is wrong. God always does what is right, even though we may not see it from our human perspective.
In a prayer against the wicked, David called for vengeance in a series of metaphors that describe them. The six descriptive responses he was hoping for are first to “break the teeth of lions.” Make those with a lot to say with destructive and vicious words harmless. Second, make their words melt away and be completely ignored by everyone, like a bucket of water poured into a stream of running water. Then, they make the weapons of words that used to be like broken pieces of useless weapons. Make their words nonsensical. Fourth, may what they say and do be like the abhorrent slime a snail leaves behind as the heat of truth melts them down to nothing to which one would pay attention. Like a woman who has a miscarriage, may all they wanted for themselves be lost to them, like thorns that have to burn up before the pot gets hot, getting rid of their plans and dirty work before they can do anything with it.
In other words, remove their ability to harm others with their words and false judgments. They destroy their significance so other people will not notice them. Much of the law is given to protect the innocent and weak people from unfair judgments by the rich and powerful who seek to take advantage of them. It is in the nature of the wicked to do wickedness, particularly with their words. “In the multitude of words, there wanteth not sin.” “A fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.”
At the end of the psalm, David speaks as a representative of the righteous, who he is sure will rejoice at the destruction of the wicked. While it is true that God will vindicate the righteous, the writer affirms righteous judgment; God is and loves justice. His justice is perfect and lasts forever. His justice is without changes to suit the changing opinions of people or society. God knows what is needed to bring justice. Our vindictive attitude can be unjust even when we find ourselves the objects of injustice against us. God never makes unfair judgments, so He doesn’t always act as we request.
When those who lead nations, assemblies, and families are unjust, people suffer, morality decreases, and God is forgotten or ignored. “Righteousness exalts a nation.” There will be an accounting for every judgment we make. If we act unjustly or side with injustice, we will find ourselves standing before the Supreme Judge of all and being judged by Him, who knows the thoughts and intents of every heart. He knows why we make decisions and our actions in every matter. Our highest wisdom is to ensure that what we do and say has divine sanction.