Psalms · Chapter 82 of 150

Psalm 82

An exhortation to judges. · The doom of evil rulers.

1A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. 2How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah. 3Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. 4Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. 5They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.

6I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. 7But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. 8Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.

King James Version (1769) · public domain

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Psalm 82 commentary

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706), public domain.

Verses 1-5

Magistrates are the mighty in authority for the public good. Magistrates are the ministers of God's providence, for keeping up order and peace, and particularly in punishing evil-doers, and protecting those that do well. Good princes and good judges, who mean well, are under Divine direction; and bad ones, who mean ill, are under Divine restraint. The authority of God is to be submitted to, in those governors whom his providence places over us. But when justice is turned from what is right, no good can be expected. The evil actions of public persons are public mischiefs.

Verses 6-8

It is hard for men to have honour put upon them, and not to be proud of it. But all the rulers of the earth shall die, and all their honour shall be laid in the dust. God governs the world. There is a righteous God to whom we may go, and on whom we may depend. This also has respect to the kingdom of the Messiah. Considering the state of affairs in the world, we have need to pray that the Lord Jesus would speedily rule over all nations, in truth, righteousness, and peace.

Key verses in Psalm 82

  • Psalms 82:3

    Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.

  • Psalms 82:4

    Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.

  • Psalms 82:1

    A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.

  • Psalms 82:6

    I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.

  • Psalms 82:2

    How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.