Psalm 82: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 82 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

God presides in the great assembly and judges among the gods (vv. 1-2). He questions how long they will judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked.

Key verse

“Defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless. Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.”
Psalms 82:3 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 82:1–2 God's Judgment Among the Divine Council
Psalm 82:3–4 Call to Defend the Vulnerable
Psalm 82:5–7 Rebuke of Ignorance and Mortality
Psalm 82:8 Appeal for Divine Justice

Discussion questions

In v2, what does God ask about the judges' actions regarding the 'wicked'?
What does God instruct the judges to do in v3 regarding the 'weak' and 'poor'?
In v6, what does God mean by referring to the judges as 'gods'?
In v7, why does God say the judges 'shall die like men'?
When have you seen authority figures neglect to 'defend the weak' (v3) in your community?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 82: John 10, Psalm 11, Isaiah 1.

Before next time: read Psalm 83.