Psalm 82

Introduction.—Ps. 82 is God’s arraignment of the unjust judges who are bearing sway over Israel. It was probably composed at a time when there was much that was unjust and corrupt in the administration of justice. The psalm has three divisions: (1) God is introduced as Supreme Judge (v. 1); (2) God proceeds to denounce unjust judges and corrupt judgment (vs. 2–7); (3) the psalmist implores God to arise in judgment (v. 8). The psalm has lessons for all God’s children in their dealings with one another. Ps. 58, which is similar in theme but different in treatment, and Isa. 3:13–15 are of comparative value in the study of this short but impressive psalm. The experience of Jehoshaphat is also worthy of study (see 2 Chron. 19:8–11; PK 197, 198).

On the superscription see pp. 617, 627.

1. God. Heb. ХElohim (see Vol. I, pp. 170, 171).

Standeth. Or, “taketh His stand,” as in convening or joining an assembly.

Mighty. Heb. ХEl, “God” (see Vol. I, p. 171). “The congregation of the mighty [God]” may refer to Israel in general (see Num. 27:17; 31:16; Joshua 22:16, 17), or specifically, from the context, to the assembly of magistrates, to whom God delegates the authority of administering justice.

Gods. Heb.Хelohim, here possibly “judges,” as Хelohim is translated in Ex. 21:6; Ex. 22:8, 9. Judges may be called Хelohim in the sense that judges are representatives of God’s sovereignty (see Ex. 7:1).

2. How long? God, the Sovereign Judge, speaks to Israel’s judges.

Accept the persons. Showing partiality on account of circumstances or position was forbidden in Israel (see Lev. 19:15; Deut. 1:17; Acts 10:34).

Selah. See p. 629.

3. Defend. Compare Isa. 1:23; Jer. 5:28.

Do justice to. Not only hear their causes, but render true justice in decisions.

4. Rid them. Or, “snatch them away.”

5. They know not. This verse seems to be a parenthetical observation of the psalmist, making vivid, as by an illustration, God’s denunciation of unjust judges (see Ps. 53:4; 73:22).

In darkness. Refusing to know God, they are unqualified for their divinely imposed duty of rendering just judgment (see Prov. 2:13; John 3:19).

Foundations of the earth. Probably here the fundamental principles of moral government.

Out of course. When unjust judges administer the law, the essentials of moral government totter and fall. Earthly government, which should reflect God’s government, turns into anarchy.

6. Gods. Heb. Хelohim (see on v. 1). On the Saviour’s use of this verse, see John 10:34–38.

7. Men. Heb. Хadam, “mankind” (see on Ps. 8:4; also on Gen. 1:26).

Princes. Persons of exalted rank. Even though they were called Хelohim (see on vs. 1, 6), they will die for their unfaithfulness.

8. Arise. Compare Ps. 3:7.

Inherit all nations. In the words of John, “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ” (Rev. 11:15; cf. Dan. 2:44, 45).

Ellen G. White comments

1, 3, 4 PK 198