God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.
How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.
Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.
Psalms 82 is a powerful psalm delivered by Asaph, a worship leader during the reign of King David (1 Chronicles 16:4–7). This psalm addresses the critical theme of justice, particularly the responsibility of those in authority to defend the vulnerable. It serves as both a condemnation of corrupt judges and a reminder of God's unwavering commitment to righteousness. This psalm also has significance in the New Testament, as Jesus referenced it during a debate about his divine identity (John 10:33–36).
Context: The Divine Assembly and Human Rulers
The psalm opens with a dramatic scene: God standing in the assembly of the mighty, ready to pronounce judgment (Psalms 82:1). The Hebrew word elohiym, translated as "God," can also refer to "gods" in a general sense or even to human rulers and authorities. In this psalm, elohiym carries multiple layers of meaning, emphasizing that human authority is derived from God's authority and should therefore reflect His character. This doesn't imply a pantheon of lesser deities but rather highlights that those in power are meant to be representatives of God's justice on earth. The "divine assembly" can also be understood as the assembly of angels, further emphasizing the weight and solemnity of God's judgment.
The Indictment: Corrupt Justice
Asaph, speaking from God's perspective, rebukes the corrupt judges for their unjust verdicts and favoritism towards the wicked (Psalms 82:2). They have failed to defend the weak, the fatherless, and the oppressed, neglecting God's intent for their role (Psalms 82:3-4; see also Deuteronomy 24:17; Isaiah 11:4; Jeremiah 22:16). Instead of upholding justice, they have perverted it, plunging society into darkness and chaos (Psalms 82:5). Their actions directly contradict God's consistent commands to care for the vulnerable and act with impartiality (Micah 6:8; James 1:27). By favoring the wicked, they undermine the very foundations of a just and orderly society.
The Exhortation: A Call to Righteousness
The Lord exhorts these faithless rulers to provide true justice for those who need it—the needy and the oppressed (Psalms 82:3)—those who can’t stand up for themselves. A leader’s righteousness is demonstrated when such people are rescued and the power of the wicked is overthrown (Psalms 82:4).
The Warning: Mortality and Accountability
Despite their positions of power and being called "sons of the Most High," these rulers are not exempt from accountability (Psalms 82:6). Jesus alluded to this verse when confronted with accusations of blasphemy for calling Himself the Son of God (John 10:34-36). The key point is that even those in authority are mortal and will ultimately face judgment (Hebrews 9:27). They will "die like men and fall like any prince" (Psalms 82:7). This serves as a stark reminder that earthly power is temporary and that all leaders will be held responsible for their actions.
The Plea: God's Ultimate Justice
The psalm concludes with a fervent prayer for God to arise and judge the earth (Psalms 82:8). Asaph recognizes that true and lasting justice can only come from God, the ultimate King and Judge. He alone can bring righteousness to the nations and ensure that the vulnerable are protected. This final verse is a call for God to intervene and establish His perfect justice in a world marred by corruption and oppression.
Psalms 82 is a timeless reminder of the importance of justice and the responsibility of those in power to uphold it. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions, ensuring that we are striving to reflect God's character of compassion and righteousness in all that we do. It also encourages us to pray for those in authority, that they would govern with wisdom, integrity, and a genuine concern for the well-being of all people.
God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.
How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.
Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.
Psalms 82 is a powerful psalm delivered by Asaph, a worship leader during the reign of King David (1 Chronicles 16:4–7). This psalm addresses the critical theme of justice, particularly the responsibility of those in authority to defend the vulnerable. It serves as both a condemnation of corrupt judges and a reminder of God's unwavering commitment to righteousness. This psalm also has significance in the New Testament, as Jesus referenced it during a debate about his divine identity (John 10:33–36).
Context: The Divine Assembly and Human Rulers
The psalm opens with a dramatic scene: God standing in the assembly of the mighty, ready to pronounce judgment (Psalms 82:1). The Hebrew word elohiym, translated as "God," can also refer to "gods" in a general sense or even to human rulers and authorities. In this psalm, elohiym carries multiple layers of meaning, emphasizing that human authority is derived from God's authority and should therefore reflect His character. This doesn't imply a pantheon of lesser deities but rather highlights that those in power are meant to be representatives of God's justice on earth. The "divine assembly" can also be understood as the assembly of angels, further emphasizing the weight and solemnity of God's judgment.
The Indictment: Corrupt Justice
Asaph, speaking from God's perspective, rebukes the corrupt judges for their unjust verdicts and favoritism towards the wicked (Psalms 82:2). They have failed to defend the weak, the fatherless, and the oppressed, neglecting God's intent for their role (Psalms 82:3-4; see also Deuteronomy 24:17; Isaiah 11:4; Jeremiah 22:16). Instead of upholding justice, they have perverted it, plunging society into darkness and chaos (Psalms 82:5). Their actions directly contradict God's consistent commands to care for the vulnerable and act with impartiality (Micah 6:8; James 1:27). By favoring the wicked, they undermine the very foundations of a just and orderly society.
The Exhortation: A Call to Righteousness
The Lord exhorts these faithless rulers to provide true justice for those who need it—the needy and the oppressed (Psalms 82:3)—those who can’t stand up for themselves. A leader’s righteousness is demonstrated when such people are rescued and the power of the wicked is overthrown (Psalms 82:4).
The Warning: Mortality and Accountability
Despite their positions of power and being called "sons of the Most High," these rulers are not exempt from accountability (Psalms 82:6). Jesus alluded to this verse when confronted with accusations of blasphemy for calling Himself the Son of God (John 10:34-36). The key point is that even those in authority are mortal and will ultimately face judgment (Hebrews 9:27). They will "die like men and fall like any prince" (Psalms 82:7). This serves as a stark reminder that earthly power is temporary and that all leaders will be held responsible for their actions.
The Plea: God's Ultimate Justice
The psalm concludes with a fervent prayer for God to arise and judge the earth (Psalms 82:8). Asaph recognizes that true and lasting justice can only come from God, the ultimate King and Judge. He alone can bring righteousness to the nations and ensure that the vulnerable are protected. This final verse is a call for God to intervene and establish His perfect justice in a world marred by corruption and oppression.
Psalms 82 is a timeless reminder of the importance of justice and the responsibility of those in power to uphold it. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions, ensuring that we are striving to reflect God's character of compassion and righteousness in all that we do. It also encourages us to pray for those in authority, that they would govern with wisdom, integrity, and a genuine concern for the well-being of all people.