n exhortation to judges. (1-5) The doom of evil rulers. (6-8)
Verses 1-5: Magistrates are the mighty in authority for the public
good. Magistrates are the ministers of God's providence, for
keeping up order and peace, and particularly in punishing
evil-doers, and protecting those that do well. Good princes and
good judges, who mean well, are under Divine direction; and bad
ones, who mean ill, are under Divine restraint. The authority of
God is to be submitted to, in those governors whom his
providence places over us. But when justice is turned from what
is right, no good can be expected. The evil actions of public
persons are public mischiefs.
Verses 6-8: It is hard for men to have honour put upon them, and not to
be proud of it. But all the rulers of the earth shall die, and
all their honour shall be laid in the dust. God governs the
world. There is a righteous God to whom we may go, and on whom
we may depend. This also has respect to the kingdom of the
Messiah. Considering the state of affairs in the world, we have
need to pray that the Lord Jesus would speedily rule over all
nations, in truth, righteousness, and peace.
n exhortation to judges. (1-5) The doom of evil rulers. (6-8)