Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary
Psalms 82
Public-domain commentary by Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown.
Commentary Notes
8 sectionsv1
Psalms 82:1
Ps 82:1-8. Before the great Judge, the judges of the earth are rebuked, exhorted, and threatened.
1. congregation —(Compare Ex 12:3; 16:1).
of the mighty —that is, of God, of His appointment.
the gods —or, "judges" (Ex 21:6; 22:9), God's representatives.
- Ps 82 1-Ps 82 8
- Exod 12 3
- Exod 16 1
- Exod 21 6
- Exod 22 9
v2
Psalms 82:2
2. accept the persons —literally, "lift up the faces," that is, from dejection, or admit to favor and communion, regardless of merit (Le 19:15; Pr 18:5).
- Lev 19 15
- Prov 18 5
v3
Psalms 82:3
- Ps 10 14
- Job 29 12
v4
Psalms 82:4
4. poor and needy —(Compare Ps 34:10; 41:1).
- Ps 34 10
- Ps 41 1
v5
Psalms 82:5
5. By the wilful ignorance and negligence of judges, anarchy ensues (Ps 11:3; 75:3).
out of course —(Compare Margin; Ps 9:6; 62:2).
- Ps 11 3
- Ps 75 3
- Ps 9 6
- Ps 62 2
v6
Psalms 82:6
6, 7. Though God admitted their official dignity (Joh 10:34), He reminds them of their mortality.
- John 10 34
v7
Psalms 82:7
7. fall like, &c.—be cut off suddenly (Ps 20:8; 91:7).
- Ps 20 8
- Ps 91 7
v8
Psalms 82:8
8. As rightful sovereign of earth, God is invoked personally to correct the evils of His representatives.