Bible Commentaries
Psalms 82

Introduction

PSALM 82

:-. Before the great Judge, the judges of the earth are rebuked, exhorted, and threatened.

Verse 1

1. congregation—(Compare Exodus 12:3; Exodus 16:1).

of the mighty—that is, of God, of His appointment.

the gods—or, "judges" (Exodus 21:6; Exodus 22:9), God's representatives.

Verse 2

2. accept the persons—literally, "lift up the faces," that is, from dejection, or admit to favor and communion, regardless of merit (Leviticus 19:15; Proverbs 18:5).

Verse 3

3, 4. So must good judges act (Psalms 10:14; Job 29:12).

Verse 4

4. poor and needy—(Compare Psalms 34:10; Psalms 41:1).

Verse 5

5. By the wilful ignorance and negligence of judges, anarchy ensues (Psalms 11:3; Psalms 75:3).

out of course—(Compare Margin; Psalms 9:6; Psalms 62:2).

Verse 6

6, 7. Though God admitted their official dignity (John 10:34), He reminds them of their mortality.

Verse 7

7. fall like, c.—be cut off suddenly (Psalms 20:8 Psalms 91:7).

Verse 8

8. As rightful sovereign of earth, God is invoked personally to correct the evils of His representatives.