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.
<A Psalm. Of Asaph.> God is in the meeting-place of God; he is judging among the gods.
How long will you go on judging falsely, having respect for the persons of evil-doers? (Selah.)
Give ear to the cause of the poor and the children without fathers; let those who are troubled and in need have their rights.
Be the saviour of the poor and those who have nothing: take them out of the hand of the evil-doers.
They have no knowledge or sense; they go about in the dark: all the bases of the earth are moved.
I said, You are gods; all of you are the sons of the Most High:
But you will come to death like men, falling like one of the rulers of the earth.
Up! O God, come as judge of the earth; for all the nations are your heritage.