Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · Psalms Kapitel 82

Ps 82:1-8.

Before the great Judge, the judges of the earth are rebuked, exhorted, and threatened.

1. congregation--(Compare

Ex 12:3; 16:1).

of the mighty--that is, of God, of His appointment.

the gods--or, "judges"

(Ex 21:6; 22:9),

God's representatives.

2. accept the persons--literally, "lift up the faces," that is, from dejection, or admit to favor and communion, regardless of merit

(Le 19:15; Pr 18:5).

3, 4. So must good judges act

(Ps 10:14; Job 29:12).

4. poor and needy--(Compare

Ps 34:10; 41:1).

5. By the wilful ignorance and negligence of judges, anarchy ensues

(Ps 11:3; 75:3).

out of course--(Compare Margin;

Ps 9:6; 62:2).

6, 7. Though God admitted their official dignity

(Joh 10:34),

He reminds them of their mortality.

7. fall like, &c.--be cut off suddenly

(Ps 20:8; 91:7).

8. As rightful sovereign of earth, God is invoked personally to correct the evils of His representatives.