Psalms 82
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.
Common Questions About Psalms 82
Who is Psalm 82 addressed to?
It addresses earthly judges or rulers ('gods' in a judicial sense), rebuking them for judging unjustly and showing partiality to the wicked instead of defending the weak and fatherless.
What does the psalm call these rulers to do?
It calls them to rescue the weak and needy and deliver them from the hand of the wicked, warning that despite their authority, they will die like mere mortals.
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Questions to Think About
- How do you use whatever authority or influence you have to defend the weak, as this psalm calls for?
- What does this psalm suggest about how seriously God takes injustice from those in power?
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