Reflections on Psalms 82

 Psalms 82(Contemporary English Version)

1. (A psalm by Asaph.) When all of the other gods have come together, the Lord God judges them and says:sermons
   
2. "How long will you keep judging unfairly and favoring evil people?sermons
   
3. Be fair to the poor and to orphans. Defend the helpless and everyone in need.sermons
   
4. Rescue the weak and homeless from the powerful hands of heartless people.sermons
   
5. "None of you know or understand a thing. You live in darkness, while the foundations of the earth tremble.sermons
   
6. "I, the Most High God, say that all of you are gods and also my own children.sermons
   
7. But you will die, just like everyone else, including powerful rulers."sermons
   
8. Do something, God! Judge the nations of the earth; they belong to you.sermons

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Asaph, in Psalms 82, calls for justice among Israel's officials who have been appointed as judges over the people. He frames it as if God were speaking to them, raising first the question, "How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?" (82:2) The appointed role of the judges was to protect the innocent and indict the guilty. In particular to protect those who could not protect themselves such as the needy, the fatherless, the oppressed, and the destitute. They were to "save them from the hand of the wicked." (82:4)

But the judges Asaph addressed were judging unjustly and showing partiality to the wicked. God says of them, "They do not know or understand; they wander in darkness." (82:5) The result is that "All the foundations of the earth are shaken." (82:5) When the systems of justice break down, the very foundations of the earth are shaken.

These judges over Israel were referred to as "gods" and "sons of the Most High." They were God's appointed spokespersons, but they were failing to fulfill their appointments. Therefore, they would find that they are not so lofty after all and "will die like men and fall like any other ruler." (82:7) Asaph calls on God to "Rise up, God, judge the earth, for all the nations belong to You." (82:8) These judges who judge unjustly will find that they too will be judged.