Psalms 82
Psalm 82 consists of content in which God, as the Judge, calls on all authorities and judges on earth to carry out righteous judgment. The psalm has a total of 8 verses. It begins with, “God stands in the congregation of the gods and judges” (v. 1), points out that human leaders use power unfairly (vv. 2–4), and ultimately concludes with God’s final declaration of judgment (vv. 6–8).
1verseA Psalm by Asaph. God presides in the great assembly. He judges among the gods.
2verse“How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked?” Selah.
3verse“Defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless. Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
4verseRescue the weak and needy. Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.”
5verseThey don’t know, neither do they understand. They walk back and forth in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are shaken.
6verseI said, “You are gods, all of you are sons of the Most High.
7verseNevertheless you shall die like men, and fall like one of the rulers.”
8verseArise, God, judge the earth, for you inherit all of the nations.
The Flow and Meaning of the Text
Psalm 82 first starts with a scene in which God stands “in the congregation of the gods” (v. 1). Here, “gods” refers to leaders of the entire nation of Israel—those who hold social and moral responsibility. God rebukes them for not judging the weak and the poor righteously and for showing partiality toward the wicked (vv. 2–4). Then these leaders are warned that they cannot properly use the authority they have received from God and that they cannot escape death and judgment (vv. 5–7). In the end, the psalmist asks God to “judge all the nations of the earth” (v. 8).
Points for Reflection
- Remember that God is the ultimate source of all power and judgment
- When the leaders or judges of the world are unjust, God will certainly hold them accountable and establish justice—a promise
- Let it remind you that caring for and protecting the weak and the poor is God’s heart
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Reflect on whether, in the place God has given you (home, workplace, community, etc.), you act justly and protect the vulnerable
- Check whether you use the influence and authority you have according to God’s will
- When you see injustice and unfairness, resolve not to stay silent, but to live a life of praying and putting God’s justice into practice
