Psalm 82:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."

NIV: Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

NASB: Rescue the weak and needy; Save them from the hand of the wicked.

CSB: Rescue the poor and needy; save them from the power of the wicked."

NLT: Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.

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

NKJV: Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked.

Money, power, and influence are never evenly distributed. Those in need or weakened need others to advocate on their behalf. A crucial purpose of human government is to restrain the strong from abusing the very weak (Proverbs 31:9; Psalm 72:12–14). When this is inverted, it undoes the basis of all human civilization (Psalm 82:5). This is part of God's command and formal accusation against corrupt judges in Israel (Psalm 82:1–3).

In another psalm associated with Asaph he also mentions the wicked rich oppressing others and bragging about it (Psalm 73:8). Such treatment rejects what God says about treating the poor fairly and with deep compassion (Exodus 22:25–27). An example of this done correctly was King David, who exercised his power on behalf of Mephibosheth, who was lame. Rather than ignore him, or punish him for being part of Saul's family, David was kind. He let Mephibosheth sit at the king's table and gave him servants and property (2 Samuel 9).

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 11/25/2024 7:37:33 AM