All rise, Elohim the great Judge,
Has arrived to hold court with mankind
He calls to the stand elohim*
To declare what has been on His mind.

“Your judgments unjust I deplore
You are partial to wicked and vile
How long must injustice prevail
And a mockery make of each trial?

“Give justice to orphans and weak
While the rights of oppressed you defend
They in ignorance wander about
When the moorings of truth break and bend.

“Hear My verdict now, you elohim*
Though I made you all sons of Most High
Like the princes of earth you will fall
And as mortals are condemned to die.”

Rise up, Elohim, take Your bench
In righteousness judge the whole world
For to You all the nations belong
Let the banner of truth be unfurled.

© 2014 J Dan Small

*In Scripture the Hebrew word elohim when accompanied by singular verbs refers to God. In plural context it can mean gods (pagan deities), magistrates (judges), or powers (authorities). The Psalmist here makes full use of the term to distinguish earthly rulers from the Ruler of the earth while, at the same time, suggesting a unique god-likeness infused into humanity.