Psalm 10 has much #PoliticalTheology regarding oppression. Digs into the mind/heart, not just the words and deeds. The heart of the oppressor includes several sins. First, arrogance (vs. 2). This arrogance is also called pride (vs. 4). The essence of the arrogance/pride is two-fold. First, the posture toward God. This evil man's thoughts are "there is no God."

Quoting Gratian, Sir John Fortescue summarizes the natural law thus: "that which is contained in the LAw and the Gospel, according to which every man is commanded to do unto another what he would have done unto himself... and is forbidden to inflict what he would not have done unto himself."

A lot of #PoliticalTheology going on in Psalm 9. It picks up on a theme from Psalm 7 about the Psalmist appealing his just cause to God. If you weren't convinced that this involved political language, Psalm 9 makes that conclusion overtly. When appealing for his just cause, David (the Psalm's author) expresses confidence because, he says to God, "you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment." Sitting on the throne is a clear political picture, the place where the king acts authoritatively.

Some evening political theology from the Psalms. Psalm 7 says that "The LORD judges the peoples." This judicial act is defined in the next verses. The Psalmist next asks God to judge him according to his righteousness. Then, he calls on God to end the wickedness evil while establishing the righteous. Together, we have the purpose of human government according to Romans 13: approve the good and punish evil. The Psalmist petitions his ultimate ruler to fulfill these goals.

Reading Psalm 2 as well (it is morning of the first day of the month after all). Personal turns more political. The rebellion against God of which it tells is total. The rulers do it and their people. What does it mean to burst bonds and cast away cords? Bonds and cords seem to be laws. God's laws. Laws bind. The political communities reject God by rejecting His law. Important link: ruler's authority manifested in His rules.

Psalm 1 (and 15) describe the Christian magnanimous man. Adorned with all the virtues and friendships grounded in those virtues. Psalm 119 is that man singing his love for the law. A love, virtues, and friendships that need a prior act of Divine grace to happen. The heart of flesh first must replace the heart of stone. Grace then heart/deeds of gratitude. Consequently, one can begin to love and act rightly (virtue).

If a code of laws won't even protect a defenseless part of the polity from intentional killing, then the most basic end of government isn't being upheld. By Genesis 9:6 or Romans 13 standards.

https://twitter.com/timkellernyc/status/1520189893917523968

Plenty more laws and government should be doing in rewarding good and punishing evil. And, no, not all sins should be codified or virtues, either. Goes yo purpose of government in curtailing outward actions and some prudence on how far that's possible.