Bible Commentaries
Psalms 82

Verse 1

Title. A Psalm. Hebrew. mizm6r. App-65 .

of Asaph. The eleventh of the twelve Asaph Psalms.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .

standeth: i.e. officially.

the congregation of the mighty = GOD'S (Hebrew El. App-4 . IV) assembly (in its civil aspect).

gods. Elohim: used of earthly judges as representing Him. Compare Exodus 21:6 ; Exodus 22:8 , Exodus 22:9 , Exodus 22:28 (quoted in Acts 23:5 ). Hence, Moses is so spoken of (Exodus 7:1 ). (It is used also of idols as representing even a false god.) See John 10:34 , John 10:35 .

Verse 2

accept the persons. Compare Leviticus 19:15 . Pro 18:5 . 2 Chronicles 19:7 .

wicked = lawless. Hebrew. rasha'. App-44 .

Selah. Connecting the indictment with the command to judge righteously. See App-66 .

Verse 3

Defend = Vindicate. Compare verses: Psalms 82:1 , Psalms 82:2 .

the poor = oppressed. Hebrew. 'ebyon = a helpless or expectant one. See note on Proverbs 6:11 .

Verse 5

They = The oppressed.

will = can.

on = to and fro.

Verse 6

I have said. Compare Exodus 22:9 , Exodus 22:28 . John 10:34 , John 10:35 .

children = sons. Compare Luke 6:35 .

the MOST HIGH. Hebrew. Elyon. App-4 .

Verse 7

men. Hebrew. 'adam. App-14 .

princes. Compare Numbers 16:2 , Numbers 16:35 .

Verse 8

judge = judge Thou.

nations = the nations.