Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#154

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
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  Leviticus 19:15-18
  ;
  Leviticus 19:18
• Topic: Law of God; Society/Social Concerns; Covenant; Justice; Obedience; Stewardship
• Copyright: Text and music © 1987, Calvin Seerveld

Tune Information

• Name: TORONTO (Seerveld)
• Composer: Calvin Seerveld (1985)
• Harmonizer: Dale Grotenhuis (1986)
• 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