Psalms 82 - Printer Friendly

God has reasons to allow limited human beings to administer government here on earth. Among the most important is to reflect His character of compassion and justice. Restraining evil and protecting the weak are fundamental to the Lord's view of human rulers (Romans 13:1; Psalm 72:12–14; Proverbs 31:9). In this psalm, Asaph depicts God condemning judges who corrupt their positions.

The psalm begins with a depiction of God standing in a gathering of powerful men to deliver His own verdict. The Hebrew word translated "God," meaning the God of Abraham, can also be translated as "god," a general term for a spiritual power. This is the word elohiym. The same term can mean those in positions of power. It carries various meanings in this psalm, defined by their contexts. This does not imply that God rules a cabinet of lesser deities. Rather, it sets up the idea that human authority flows from God's authority, so it should reflect God's nature (Psalm 82:1).

Asaph then speaks from God's perspective. The corrupt judges are commanded to render fair verdicts, to care for the weak, and not to conspire with the wicked. This follows God's consistent commands about such issues (Micah 6:8; James 1:27). Those who fail to do so are replacing justice with wickedness and order with chaos. This undoes the cornerstones of human civilization (Psalm 82:2–5).

These judges, governors, rulers, and other leaders are "sons" of the Most High God, appointed by the Lord's broad command for human government to restrain evil. Jesus refers to these comments when accused of blasphemy (John 10:33–36). No matter how much power they have, these men are still mortal (Hebrews 9:27). They will face the Judge of judges, and Asaph prays for this very thing to happen (Psalm 82:6–8).

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.