Psalms 82

Chapter Summary

A brief Asaph psalm presenting God in the divine council pronouncing judgment on the gods — or corrupt human judges — who have been showing partiality to the wicked and failing to defend the poor and fatherless. God declares they will die like mortals. The psalm concludes with a call for God to judge the earth.

1God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.

2How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.

3Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.

4Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.

5They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.

6I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.

7But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.

8Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.