The Bible: Psalms Chapter 82: with Audio and Commentary.

Version: World English Bible.

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Psalms Chapter 82 A Psalm by Asaph.

1 God presides in the great assembly. He judges amongst the gods.

2 "How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked?" Selah.

3 "Defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless. Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

4 Rescue the weak and needy. Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked."

5 They don't know, neither do they understand. They walk back and forth in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are shaken.

6 I said, "You are gods, all of you are sons of the Most High.

7 Nevertheless you shall die like men, and fall like one of the rulers."

8 Arise, God, judge the earth, for you inherit all of the nations.

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Version: World English Bible

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Psalms Chapter 82 A Psalm by Asaph. Guide

This psalm is a cry for justice, born of a sense of maladministration of those in authority. It first announces the fact that God is the supreme Judge. This is a recognition of the perfect equity of the standard of justice. The judges in mind have erred in that they have shown respect for the persons of the wicked, and thus departed from that strict justice which ever characterises the dealings of God to Whom they are all responsible.

The singer then sets forth what are the essential functions of the judges. They are specially to care for all those who are in circumstances of difficulty and danger. This had not been done, for such people were without knowledge of guidance. The judges have had the name of authority, and its position, but through their failure they are to be degraded.

The song ends with an appeal to God to arise and judge the earth. This is every the cry of the man of faith when he stands in the presence of the wrongs and oppressions obtaining among the poor and afflicted. There is nothing the world needs today more than the administration of strict and impartial justice, and there is no greater comfort to the heart than the conviction that the prayer of the psalmist, multiplied ten thousand fold in the passing centuries by all who have been and still are, conscious of prevailing injustice, will yet be answered. God’s day of Judgment will be a day of mercy in the largest sense.

From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.

Psalms Chapter 82 Commentary

Chapter Outline

  1. An exhortation to judges. -- (1-5)
  2. The doom of evil rulers. -- (6-8)

Verses 1-5

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.

Verses 6-8

It is hard for men to have honour put upon them, and not to be proud of it. But all the rulers of the earth shall die, and all their honour shall be laid in the dust. God governs the world. There is a righteous God to whom we may go, and on whom we may depend. This also has respect to the kingdom of the Messiah. Considering the state of affairs in the world, we have need to pray that the Lord Jesus would speedily rule over all nations, in truth, righteousness, and peace.

From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.