Psalm 82
- 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.
Psalm 82 presents a scene where God, as the ultimate Judge, presides over a divine council, addressing lesser divine beings who are responsible for governing the affairs of the earth. These “gods” are rebuked for their failure to uphold justice and righteousness, particularly in their dealings with the poor, fatherless, afflicted, and needy.
The psalmist challenges these divine beings to defend and deliver the vulnerable, emphasizing the importance of justice and compassion. Despite their divine status, these beings are warned of their mortality, destined to die like ordinary men, lacking the eternal nature of God.
The psalm concludes with a plea for God to assert His authority and judge the earth, ensuring justice for all nations. It reflects the belief in divine justice and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all earthly powers.