Psalm Chapter 82 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
1 God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.
2 How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.
3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
5 They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.
6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
7 But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.
8 Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.
Key Takeaways from This Psalm:
Psalm 82:3
Verse: שָׁפְטוּ עָנִיִים
Transliteration: Shaf’etu aniyim
English: “Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and oppressed.”
Focus Word: עָנִי (Ani)
- Root: ע-נ-י (Ayin-Nun-Yod)
- Meaning: “Poor,” “afflicted,” “humble.”
- Deeper Insight: Ani conveys vulnerability and need, emphasizing God’s concern for justice and protection of the marginalized.
Biblical Scholars On This Chapter:
| Scholar (Institution & Dates) | Work | View on Psalm 82 |
|---|---|---|
| Hugh Binning (University of Glasgow, 1627–1653) | Sermons on the Psalms | The Psalm stresses accountability of rulers to divine justice. |
| William Lowth (University of Oxford, 1660–1732) | Commentary on the Psalms | Leaders are reminded that authority must reflect God’s righteousness. |
| Johann Albrecht Bengel (University of Tübingen, 1687–1752) | Gnomon Novi Testamenti | God’s judgment ensures that human power aligns with divine law. |
| James Durham (St Andrews / Edinburgh, 1622–1658) | Commentary on the Psalms | The Psalm illustrates consequences for failing to uphold justice and mercy. |
| Philip Doddridge (Northampton Academy, 1702–1751) | Family Expositor | Ethical leadership is portrayed as essential to the wellbeing of God’s people. |
| Scholar & Work | View |
|---|---|
| John Calvin – Commentary on the Psalms | Calvin sees God standing in judgment over corrupt earthly rulers. Their failure to defend the poor provokes divine wrath. God Himself arises to judge the earth. |
| Matthew Henry – Exposition on the Psalms | Henry interprets the psalm as God chastising unjust judges. They misuse authority given by Him. God will reclaim universal rule. |
| Albert Barnes – Notes on the Psalms | Barnes views the psalm as a divine indictment against corrupt magistrates. Their ignorance leads to societal collapse. God is the final judge. |
| John Morison – Practical Exposition of the Psalms | Morison sees the psalm as revealing God’s displeasure with injustice. The rulers are called “gods” because of delegated authority. Their fall is inevitable. |
| William Walford – Commentary on the Psalms | Walford interprets the psalm as an exposure of judicial corruption. The weak suffer under unjust rule. God will rise to judge the world. |
| Andrew A. Bonar – Christ and His Church in the Psalms | Bonar views the psalm as Christ confronting corrupt authorities. Their failure is spiritual as well as civil. God’s kingdom will triumph. |
| Joseph Parker – People’s Bible Notes | Parker sees the psalm as describing the misuse of divine authority by earthly judges. God calls them to account. His justice will prevail. |
| Thomas Dale – Exposition of the Psalms | Dale interprets the psalm as a sober reminder of the responsibility of leadership. Injustice brings divine condemnation. God alone rules perfectly. |
| Horatius Bonar – Psalm Meditations | Bonar views the psalm as God’s rebuke of human rulers who forsake righteousness. Their mortality exposes their folly. Ultimately God judges the earth. |
| Christopher Wordsworth – Commentary on the Psalms | Wordsworth interprets the psalm as revealing divine judgment upon corrupt authorities. Their power is borrowed and fleeting. God’s universal reign is affirmed. |
Psalms Chapter 82 Devotional: YE ARE GODS
Thought for the day: You were made to act in God’s capacity on the earth.
Message:
Lions do not give birth to goats nor do elephants give birth to birds.
They give birth to their kind. God made you gods on the earth because you are from His lineage. When man was given the ability to act, God's capacity was imparted to man in Genesis 2:7. Let us check it out.
7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7)
Wow! What a blessing it is to live by God's breath, to recognize that what sustains you is God's breath, and that the impartation of His breath provides power, knowledge, authority, and strength. This is why God could ask the man to name everything He created, and he could do it accurately since he had been impacted by the Lord.
One of the principles of gods is to act like God:
God is kind; gods must be kind.
God is merciful; gods must be merciful.
God is compassionate; gods must be compassionate
In a situation where man fails to act in this way, man will begin to act like a man
"But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes"
Why? Because they have failed to deliver the poor and needy, they have failed to judge rightly; they have refused to show forth the character of God.
You were created for a purpose; rise as gods and exhibit God's character. Anytime God sees a man who represents Him well on the earth, He strengthens him to stand for Him even more. You cannot stand for God and die anyhow.
Counsel
Ø To act as a god is to display the character of God.
Ø You must fully have an understanding of who God is to enable you to display His character.
Ø Determine not to die like ordinary men. Stand in your place in Christ.
Declaration
Father, I have the understanding that I was sent to the earth in your likeness and character. I receive the strength to fully display the strength you have imparted to me. I refuse to die like ordinary men, I choose to stand as a god in Jesus' name.
