All through Scripture this “mystery of lawlessness” plays out and I’m endlessly fascinated at Father’s ways in dealing with it. Ahab was rotten and yet God noticed his attempt to humble himself (however suspect to outsiders). Jezebel, his rotten wife, dolled herself up and sneered at God’s prophet and went to the dogs!
Matthew Henry’s commentary on Psalm 82 is, IMO, excellent on this:
“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.”
Yes, we need only look at the trial of Jesus, the liars, the paid mourners and Herod and Pilate who became fast-friends after all that false accusing.
Luke 23:10-12 King James Version (KJV)
10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him.
11 And Herod with his men of war set Him at nought, and mocked Him, and arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him again to Pilate.
12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
I am proud to be a descendant of Matthew Henry!