1 <A Psalm. Of Asaph.> God is in the meeting-place of God; he is judging among the gods.
2 How long will you go on judging falsely, having respect for the persons of evil-doers? (Selah.)
3 Give ear to the cause of the poor and the children without fathers; let those who are troubled and in need have their rights.
4 Be the saviour of the poor and those who have nothing: take them out of the hand of the evil-doers.
5 They have no knowledge or sense; they go about in the dark: all the bases of the earth are moved.
6 I said, You are gods; all of you are the sons of the Most High:
7 But you will come to death like men, falling like one of the rulers of the earth.
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Commentary on Psalms 82 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 82
Ps 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.
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).
3, 4. So must good judges act (Ps 10:14; Job 29:12).
4. poor and needy—(Compare Ps 34:10; 41:1).
5. By the wilful ignorance and negligence of judges, anarchy ensues (Ps 11:3; 75:3).
out of course—(Compare Margin; Ps 9:6; 62:2).
6, 7. Though God admitted their official dignity (Joh 10:34), He reminds them of their mortality.
7. fall like, &c.—be cut off suddenly (Ps 20:8; 91:7).
8. As rightful sovereign of earth, God is invoked personally to correct the evils of His representatives.