Psalm 82:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations!

NIV: Rise up, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are your inheritance.

NASB: Arise, God, judge the earth! For You possess all the nations.

CSB: Rise up, God, judge the earth, for all the nations belong to you.

NLT: Rise up, O God, and judge the earth, for all the nations belong to you.

KJV: Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.

NKJV: Arise, O God, judge the earth; For You shall inherit all nations.

Most of this psalm was spoken from God's perspective (Psalm 82:1–2). He condemned earthly rulers and judges who dealt in corruption rather than compassion and justice (Psalm 82:3–5). This came with a warning that death comes even to the most powerful men (Psalm 82:6–7; Hebrews 9:27), and Scripture is clear that this means facing the Judge of judges (Genesis 18:25).

Here, Asaph speaks his own prayer, asking the Lord to apply His perfect justice to the entire world (Psalm 24:1). That will happen, in its fullest form, only when the Jesus returns to rule the world in person (Revelation 11:15).

Every person will be subject to God's holy judgment. God sent His Son to live as a man (Hebrews 4:15) and die an innocent death (Philippians 2:8) so that those who have faith in Him can escape eternal wrath (John 3:16–18, 36; 1 Corinthians 15:3). Such believers do not face condemnation (Romans 8:1), but they will be judged for the works they performed. The outcome will be rewards for faithful works (1 Corinthians 3:10–15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Unrepentant sinners will face punitive judgment at the great white throne judgment. Because they rejected Christ, God will consign them to eternal punishment in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11–15).

Psalm 82:6–8 begins with a statement Jesus cited when He was accused of blasphemy (John 10:33–36). Speaking from God's vantage point, the psalm warns corrupt judges that they are mere mortals. They are no more powerful than any other earthly power. If they fail to judge honestly and fairly, they will face the Judge of judges.

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.