Psa 82 | JFB | STEP | 1. congregation-- (Compare ; ). of the mighty-- that is, of God, of His appointment. the gods-- or, "judges" ( ; ), God's representatives.

‏ Psalms 82

PSALM 82

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

5. By the wilful ignorance and negligence of judges, anarchy ensues (Psa 11:3; 75:3).

out of course--(Compare Margin; Psa 9:6; 62:2).

6-7. Though God admitted their official dignity (Joh 10:34), He reminds them of their mortality.

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