Psalm 82:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:

NIV: A psalm of Asaph. God presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the "gods":

NASB: God takes His position in His assembly; He judges in the midst of the gods.

CSB: A psalm of Asaph. God stands in the divine assembly; he pronounces judgment among the gods:

NLT: God presides over heaven’s court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings:

KJV: A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.

NKJV: {A Psalm of Asaph.} God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods.

Asaph depicts God as standing to deliver a verdict among a group of powerful men. The Hebrew word elohiym can refer to the One True God, or to false deities, or to human beings in positions of power. In this way, it is like the English word "god," which is capitalized to show that it refers to the "God" of Abraham. This verse uses two different meanings, with context indicating the sense of each. First, [the One True] Elohiym stands among a council, made up of [lesser human] elohiym (Psalm 82:2). This does not refer to a pantheon or family of deities, as the rest of the psalm makes clear.

God is often portrayed in His role as the ultimate Judge of His creation. Isaiah 33:22 says, "The LORD is our judge; the LORD is our lawgiver." In Genesis 18:25 He is called "the Judge of all the earth." Isaiah 3:13 declares: "The LORD has taken his place to contend; he stands to judge peoples." Acts 17:31 predicts that God "has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed."

Psalm 82:1–5 depicts the One True God acting as the Judge of judges. God's intent for government (Romans 13:4) and those in power is that they care for the weak and vulnerable (Proverbs 31:9). Corrupt judges leave needy people at the mercy of evil men. They may also take bribes and deliver false decisions (Proverbs 17:23; 18:5). This disregard for order shakes the "foundation" of the entire world (Psalm 11:3).

The Hebrew word "elohiym" is used for God as well as for generic spiritual beings and lesser rulers. In verses 1 and 6, the term is applied to mortal men. Asaph writes as if God were about to announce a verdict on human judges. These corrupt officials have failed to protect the needy and weak (Psalm 72:12–14; Proverbs 31:9). When those meant to uphold justice fail, the cornerstones of civilization are undone. The psalm ends with a direct call for the Lord to judge the earth.

Asaph was a worship leader under king David (1 Chronicles 16:4–7). In this psalm he condemns corrupt judges who fail to defend the weak and needy, which is God's intent for their role (Psalm 72:12–14; Proverbs 31:9). Jesus referred to this psalm when debating with those who accused Him of blasphemy (John 10:33–36). The Hebrew word "elohiym," like its English translation, can refer to the One True "God," or to generic "gods." In various Hebrew contexts, the word is also used for various rulers and authorities.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 12/18/2024 12:53:47 PM