Psalm 82:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah

NIV: "How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked?

NASB: How long will you judge unjustly And show partiality to the wicked? Selah

CSB: "How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah

NLT: 'How long will you hand down unjust decisions by favoring the wicked? Interlude

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

NKJV: How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked? Selah

The prior verse set up a scene where God stood in the middle of a group of powerful men to render His verdict on them (Psalm 82:1). As the judge of all the earth (Genesis 18:25), the Lord has authority to speak about those who claim authority on earth. Apparently, Israel's judges were accepting bribes and rendering false verdicts. Those who could afford to bribe the judges received favorable decisions, while the poor received hurtful decisions.

Such corruption runs counter to God's intent for human government and rulers (Proverbs 31:9; Romans 13:4). Later verses (Psalm 82:5) will point out that when those appointed to defend justice are themselves wicked, it undoes the entire basis of civilization (Psalm 11:3).

Micah 6:8 states that God's will for His people, including Israel's judges, is primarily "to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with" Him. Leviticus 19:15 expressly told Israel's judges: "You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor." Israel's corrupt judges acted like Eli's sons, whose greed earned them the description of "worthless men" (1 Samuel 2:12–17).

The word selah probably indicates a breath or a pause for reflection. The exact meaning of the term is unknown.

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.