Psalms 82 – Defend the Poor and Fatherless

God judges unjust rulers and calls for justice for the powerless.

Psalms 82: God Standeth in the Congregation

This chapter of the Psalms overview pictures God standing in judgment over corrupt rulers, addressed as "gods" because of their authority, following the warning about unheeded instruction in Psalms 81.


God stands in the congregation of God. He judges among the gods.

How long will ye judge unjustly, and respect the persons of the wicked? Selah.

Judge the poor man and the orphan. Do justice to the afflicted and destitute man.

Rescue the poor and needy man. Deliver from the hand of the wicked man.

They know not, nor do they understand. They walk to and fro in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are shaken.

I said, Ye are gods, and all of you sons of the Most High.

Nevertheless ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the rulers.

Arise, O God, judge the earth, for thou shall inherit all the nations.

Its declaration "Ye are gods" is later quoted by Jesus in <a href="/bible/acv/john/chapter-10/34">John 10:34-36</a>, even as the psalm insists these rulers will die like any other man for failing the poor and needy. <a href="/bible/acv/psalms/chapter-83">Psalms 83</a> continues with a plea against Israel's enemies.