154: Be Just in Judgment, Fair to All


Text information
First Line:Be just in judgment, fair to all
Title:Be Just in Judgment, Fair to All
Versifier:Calvin Seerveld (1985)
Meter:86 86 4
Scripture:Leviticus 19:15-18; Leviticus 19:18
Topic:Covenant; Justice; Law of God; Obedience; Society/Social Concerns; Stewardship
Language:English
Copyright:Text and music © 1987, Calvin Seerveld
Tune information
Tune name:TORONTO (Seerveld)
Harmonizer:Dale Grotenhuis (1986)
Composer:Calvin Seerveld (1985)
Meter:86 86 4
Key:d minor
Copyright:Text and music © 1987, Calvin Seerveld

Text Information:

Scripture References:
st. 1 = Lev. 19:15
st. 2 = Lev. 19:16-17
st. 3 = Lev. 19:18

Leviticus 19:15-18, on which "Be Just in Judgment" is based, is part of a series of laws the LORD gave to Israel through Moses, saying, "Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy" (19:2). The LORD commands the people to live holy lives–that is, in a wholesome manner with their neighbors to bring honor to God, who is holy.

Calvin Seerveld (PHH 22) wrote this song in 1985 for the Psalter Hymnal as a challenge for the Institute for Christian Studies (ICS), Toronto, Canada (where he was a professor), and, more broadly, to all creatures, institutions, and cultural movements ¬to hear the enduring Word of the LORD.

Liturgical Use:
By congregation or choir during the service of confession and forgiveness; other occasions inviting acts of dedication and commitment; services focusing on the roles of civil, business, academic, military, and ecclesiastical leaders.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

Seerveld named his tune TORONTO, after his city of residence. This common-meter tune features an added fifth phrase that acts as a refrain. Sing lines 1 through 4 in harmony, but join together in unison on the refrain. Dale Grotenhuis (PHH 4) harmonized TORONTO in 1986.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

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