Psalm 82:1-6

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 82:1-5

We have here, I. God's supreme presidency and power in all councils and courts asserted and laid down, as a great truth necessary to be believed both by princes and subjects (Ps. 82:1): God stands, as chief director, in the congregation of the mighty, the mighty One, in coetu fortis?in the councils of the prince, the supreme magistrate, and he judges among the gods, the inferior magistrates; both the legislative and the executive power of princes is under his eye and his hand. Observe here, 1.... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 82:6-8

We have here, I. Earthly gods abased and brought down, Ps. 82:6, 7. The dignity of their character is acknowledged (Ps. 82:6): I have said, You are gods. They have been honoured with the name and title of gods. God himself called them so in the statute against treasonable words Exod. 22:28; Thou shalt not revile the gods. And, if they have this style from the fountain of honour, who can dispute it? But what is man, that he should be thus magnified? He called them gods because unto them the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 82:1

God standeth in the congregation of the mighty ,.... The Syriac version renders it, "in the congregation of angels"; they are mighty, and excel in strength, and there is a large company of them, even an innumerable one, and who surround the throne of the Majesty on high. Christ, who is God over all, was among those on Mount Sinai, and when he ascended to heaven; and with these he will descend when he comes a second time, Psalm 68:17 . The Targum interprets it of the righteous thus, "God,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 82:2

How long will ye judge unjustly ,.... These are the words not of the psalmist, but of the divine Person that stands in the congregation of the mighty, and judges among the gods; calling the unjust judges to an account, and reproving them for their unrighteous proceedings and perversion of justice, in which they had long continued, and which was an aggravation of their sin; this is very applicable to the rulers and judges of the Jewish nation in the times of Christ, who had long dealt very... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 82:3

Defend the poor and fatherless ,.... Or, judge F4 שפטו "judicate", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Musculus, Junius & Tremellius, Gejerus, Michaelis. them; such as have no money to enter and carry on a suit, and have no friends to assist and advise them, and abide by them; these should be taken under the care and wing of judges; their cause should be attended to, and justice done them; their persons should be protected, and their property defended and secured for, since they are called... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 82:4

Deliver the poor and needy ,.... From his adversary and oppressor, who is mightier than he, and draws him to the judgment seat; when it is not in his power to defend himself against him, and get out of his hands, unless a righteous judge will show a regard to him and his cause; and sometimes even an unjust judge, through importunity, will do this, as everyone ought, and every righteous one will: rid them out of the hand of the wicked ; this was what the poor widow importuned the unjust... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 82:5

They knew not ,.... The Targum adds, to do well. This is to be understood of unjust judges and wicked magistrates, who know not God, and have not the fear of him before their eyes, though he stands in the midst of them, and judges among them; which is the source of their unjust judging and unrighteous proceedings: for because they know not God, nor fear him, therefore they regard not men: nor do such know themselves; they are called gods, and they think they are so, and do not consider they... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 82:6

I have said, ye are gods ,.... In the law, Exodus 21:6 or they were so by his appointment and commission; he constituted them judges and magistrates, invested them with such an office, by which they came to have this title; see Romans 13:1 , and so our Lord interprets these words, that they were gods "to whom" the word of God came, which gave them a commission and authority to exercise their office, John 10:35 , or rather "against whom" it came, pronouncing the sentence of death on... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:1

God standeth in the congregation of the mighty - The Hebrew should be translated, "God standeth in the assembly of God." God is among his people; and he presides especially in those courts of justice which himself has established. The Court of King's Bench is properly the place where the king presides, and where he is supposed to be always present. But the kings of England seldom make their appearance there. King James I sometimes attended: at such times it might be said, "The king is in the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:2

Accept the persons of the wicked? - " Lift up their faces," encourage them in their oppressions. Selah - " Mark this:" ye do it, and sorely sLall ye suffer for it. read more

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