Psalms 82
Read Psalms 82 (WEB)+
1God presides in the great assembly. He judges among 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. 4Rescue the weak and needy. Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.” 5They don’t know, neither do they understand. They walk back and forth in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are shaken. 6I said, “You are gods, all of you are sons of the Most High. 7Nevertheless you shall die like men, and fall like one of the rulers.” 8Arise, God, judge the earth, for you inherit all of the nations.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute."”
Psalms 82:3
Summary
Psalm 82 is a dramatic courtroom scene where God stands among the 'gods' or divine council, rebuking them for their failure to execute justice. These 'gods' are likely judges or rulers who have been entrusted with delivering equitable justice and protecting the rights of the marginalized. However, they have shown partiality to the wicked and neglected their duties to defend the weak and fatherless. God calls them to account, demanding justice for the poor and oppressed. The psalmist highlights the transient and fragile nature of these judges, reminding them that they will die like mere men despite their elevated status. The Psalm concludes with an appeal for God to rise and judge the earth, reaffirming His supremacy over all nations and rulers.
Key Themes
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