Psalm 82, The Persistence of Injustice

A psalm of Asaph.

The psalms of Asaph are generally later than the time of David, sometimes even dealing with worship during or after the Babylonian Exile. In this case, the psalmist may be a captive being taken to Babylon.

Psalm 82:1-4, Please defend the just!

God presides in the great assembly; 

he gives judgment among the "gods":

 "How long will you defend the unjust 

and show partiality to the wicked?

 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; 

maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

 Rescue the weak and needy; 

deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

God leads a great assembly and speaks among the "gods" (Hebrew elohim, אֱלהִים.) Commentators dispute the meaning of the term "gods" here -- some say these are angels, some say these are human rulers, others suggest that these are the imaginary gods of idols worshiped by other nations.Whoever these are, they are being accused of injustice, of supporting wickedness and corruption.

Psalm 82:5, Useless gods

"They know nothing, they understand nothing. 

They walk about in darkness;

 all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

Some commentators see this paragraph as a statement about the "gods" of verse 1, possibly about the empty idols. Kidner argues that instead these are the quotes of the oppressed, complaining that these unjust beings know nothing of their plight; when they should be giving order to the world, they cause chaos and destruction. (With this interpretation, the "gods" of verse 1 might be world rulers.)

Psalm 82:6-7, Sons of the Most High

"I said, `You are "gods"; 

you are all sons of the Most High.'

 But you will die like mere men; 

you will fall like every other ruler."

Jesus quotes this line in a dispute about his ministry in John 10:31-39. The "gods" in this passage, whether human or angelic, will come to an end like all beings who oppose God.

The Hebrew adjective elyown (עֶלְיוֹן), meaning "highest" or "supreme", is translated "Most High" by the NIV.

Psalm 82:8, Rise up!

Rise up, O God, judge the earth,

 for all the nations are your inheritance.

There is only one God, only One who has the right to judge -- it is He who is called to judge the earth. 

First published Aug 5, 2024; updated Aug 5, 2027