Psalms Chapter 82 (KJV)
Psalms 82
Divine JusticeHuman Responsibility as God's RepresentativesGod's Sovereignty Over All RulersDefense of the VulnerableMortality of Earthly Rulers
[A Psalm of Asaph.] God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. {of Asaph: or, for Asaph}
How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. {Defend: Heb. Judge}
Deliver the poor and needy: rid {them} out of the hand of the wicked.
They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. {out...: Heb. moved}
I have said, Ye {are} gods; and all of you {are} children of the most High.
But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.
Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.
Context & Meaning
Psalm 82 presents God as the ultimate Judge who confronts unjust human rulers or judges who pervert justice and oppress the vulnerable. The psalm calls these rulers to account for their failure to defend the poor and needy, reminding them of their mortality despite their divine appointment, and ultimately appeals to God to execute true justice over all the earth.