Psalms 82

Psalms 82:1-8

the Just Judge of All Psalms 82:1-8 Those described here as gods are evidently the judges and magistrates of Israel. See John 10:34. They were intended to be the mouthpiece and representatives of God; but instead, they thought only of their own interests and sought personal aggrandizement. But the psalmist beheld what was veiled from ordinary view-God standing in the midst of His people, judging them Himself and judging their judges. We may have done wrongs of which no judge has convicted us. But God has seen, and unless there is confession, leading to forgiveness, He will certainly punish. Or, we may have been grossly misjudged, and in that case He will vindicate us. Go to Jesus, to whom the Father has committed all judgment, and remember that while all things are naked and open to His eyes, He also is the High Priest who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and the Lamb that takes away sin. When the foundations of the earth are out of course, let us remember that we belong to a kingdom that cannot be moved, Hebrews 12:28.

The poor and needy The Psalm of the magistrate; perhaps composed on the appointment of judges by Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 19:5-7). There is an admonishment for past misconduct (Psalms 82:2-4), followed by a lamentation over their obduracy and a declaration of their doom (Psalms 82:5-7). Luther says, “Every prince should get the whole Psalm painted upon the walls of his room; for here such will find what high, princely, noble virtue their situation demands, so that assuredly worldly supremacy, next to the office of the ministry, is the highest service of God and the most profitable duty upon earth.” A very interesting and close parallel to this Psalm occurs in Isaiah 3:13-15.

Psalms 82:1. God judgeth among the gods Some think that the word “gods” refers to angels, but this will not suit the tenor of the Psalm. The word unquestionably stands for magistrates and judges. In Exodus 22:28, the people were taught to recognize in governors the reflections of the authority of God. Their judgment was said to be God’s (Deuteronomy 1:17). Whoever came before them, came before God (Exodus 21:6). There could be no doubt, then, that the Heavenly Judge would call them to his bar, if they grossly misrepresented Him.

Psalms 82:2.How long will ye judge unjustly?Compare Leviticus 19:15. compare

Psalms 82:5. They walk on in darkness In spite of Divine protests, men will take their own way. With their back to the true light, they go on towards a darkness which grows denser at every step.

Psalms 82:6. Ye are gods It seems at first strange that men so wicked should be dignified by so high a title. But that appellation rather records God’s ideal of their sacred office and calls them to fulfil it. Our Lord quotes this verse in arguing with the Jews (John 10:34). His point being that, if Scripture calls unjust judges “gods,” because they filled the place and represented the majesty of God, surely his opponents had no right to accuse Him of blasphemy, because, as “the Sent of God,” and engaged in doing his Father’s will, He also spoke of Himself as God.

Psalms 82:7. Like one of the princes If man is lifted to high office, he is but man still. His office, but not his nature, is God-like. And if he do wickedly, he must fall as other princes have fallen before him.

Psalms 82:8. Arise, O God! This call to God to undertake the judgment of the world is like the cry of the Church to her absent Lord, that He would make haste to right the wrongs of time and to bring in his glorious kingdom (Revelation 6:10).