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. G-d standeth in the congregation of G-d; in the midst of the judges He judgeth:
'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 go about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are moved.
I said: Ye are godlike beings, and all of you sons of the Most High.
Nevertheless ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.'
Arise, O G-d, judge the earth; for Thou shalt possess all nations.