Psalms 82 – Defend the Poor and Fatherless
God judges unjust rulers and calls for justice for the powerless.
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 standeth in the congregation of God; He judgeth among the gods.
How long will ye judge unjustly, And respect the persons of the wicked? Selah
Judge the poor and fatherless: Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.
Rescue the poor and needy: Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.
They know not, neither 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 princes.
Arise, O God, judge the earth; For thou shalt inherit all the nations. Psalm 83 A song. A Psalm of Asaph.