Psalms 82

King James Version (KJV) · English

1 God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. 2 How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah. 3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. 4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. 5 They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. 6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. 7 But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. 8 Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.

Commentary — not Bible text

Psalms 82:1

PSALM 82

Psa 82:1-8. Before the great Judge, the judges of the earth are rebuked, exhorted, and threatened.

1. congregation--(Compare Ex 12:3; 16:1).

of the mighty--that is, of God, of His appointment.

the gods--or, "judges" (Ex 21:6; 22:9), God's representatives.

Psalms 82:2

2. accept the persons--literally, "lift up the faces," that is, from dejection, or admit to favor and communion, regardless of merit (Le 19:15; Pr 18:5).

Psalms 82:5

5. By the wilful ignorance and negligence of judges, anarchy ensues (Psa 11:3; 75:3).

out of course--(Compare Margin; Psa 9:6; 62:2).

Psalms 82:6-7

6-7. Though God admitted their official dignity (Joh 10:34), He reminds them of their mortality.

Psalms 82:8

8. As rightful sovereign of earth, God is invoked personally to correct the evils of His representatives.

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