Social justice is not a new concept. God cared about social justice from the beginning. Why? Because He created all people, and He loves them and cares about them. Jesus said, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:16-17. If He cared enough to give us the gift of eternal life, isn’t it reasonable that He cares about our lives here on earth?
In the Old Testament when Moses and Israel were at Mt. Sinai, God gave them three parts to their law. The first part was the Ten Commandments; this is a universal law given to all humanity. The second part was the religious law given to Israel; the purpose of this law was to instruct the people about the promised Messiah and how they could have a relationship with God. The third part of the law was about how to live with other people, the social justice part of the law. This social justice aspect is what the psalmist addressed.
What were the problems in Israel that didn’t receive justice? The murder of widows, orphans, and foreigners was one. Of course, it didn’t matter that the law said that those who had abundance were to feed those who didn’t; it was easier to kill them. If the rich wanted the property of the poor, they might pay people to bring up false charges against the property owner (see 1 Kings 21).
Of course, some people demand “social justice” because they want something they are unwilling to work for. That is not social justice; that is socialism. The Tenth Commandment specifically states that we should not covet anything our neighbor has, but provisions were made under the law to work for their needs. Also, well-to-do people were required to bring provisions to the Tabernacle/Temple for distribution to the needy.
The writer relates his experience. “Unless the Lord had helped me, I would have settled in the silence of the grave. I cried out, ‘I am slipping!’ but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” Verses 17-19.