Psalms 82

Chapter Overview

What happens in Psalms 82

A psalm of Asaph where God takes his place in the divine council and judges unjust rulers who are called 'gods.' He commands them to defend the weak and needy.

Scripture

God Judges the Rulers

Study note

God presides in the great assembly and pronounces judgment on the rulers. He asks how long they will judge unjustly and show favor to the wicked. He commands them to defend the weak, the fatherless, and the oppressed.

1 God takes his seat in the great gathering of rulers. He stands among them and delivers his verdict. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.

2 "How much longer will you hand down unfair decisions? How long will you take the side of wicked people? Selah." How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.

3 "Stand up for those who are weak and for children who have no fathers. Make sure the poor and the mistreated get a fair shake." Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.

4 "Pull the helpless and those in need out of danger. Save them from the grip of cruel people." Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.

You Will Die Like Mortals

Study note

These rulers walk around in darkness and understand nothing. Though God called them 'gods,' they will die like any other human. The psalm ends with a call for God himself to rise up and judge the earth.

5 These rulers have no knowledge and no understanding. They stumble around in the dark. Because of them, the very ground beneath the world is shaking. They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.

6 I declared, "You have been given the title of gods. Every one of you is called a child of the Most High." I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.

7 "But you will die just like every other person. You will fall just like any ordinary ruler." But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.

8 Stand up, God, and judge the whole earth! Every nation in the world belongs to you. Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.

Key Themes

Themes in Psalms 82

God judging unjust rulersDefending the weak and fatherlessHuman leaders held to divine standardsA call for God to judge the earth

Prophetic Connections

How this chapter points to Christ

Psalms Psalm 82:6 John 10:34

Jesus quoted this verse when accused of blasphemy, pointing out that Scripture itself calls human judges 'gods,' strengthening his own claim to be the Son of God.

Apply This Today

Living Psalms 82

God holds leaders accountable. Whether in government, business, or the church, those in authority will answer for how they treated the vulnerable. If you are in any position of influence, let this psalm shape your leadership: defend the weak, uphold the cause of the poor, and rescue the needy.

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