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Biblical Reflections · July 28 · 10 min

Psalm 82: A community lament

Psalm 82 is a community lament. Although some classify it as a prophetic hymn like Psalm 81. The idea here is that the reference to “gods” is a metaphor for unjust judges whom God will judge. The psalm is an encouragement for those who are weak and low on the social scale, who suffer unjustly from those in authority over them. Further this psalm is a call to those who wield authority such as judges to use their power justly because they will someday stand before a righteous God in judgment. 1-4 – The task of the “gods” or the human judges is to give justice to the weak and fatherless and to rescue the weak and needy from the hand of the wicked. Judges must not show partiality towards the wicked. Others see these “gods” as a divine council of angelic beings. 5-7 – God pronounces judgment on judges who lack knowledge and understanding and who walk in darkness. God will judge the earth, and he will inherit al the nations, giving a prophetic word for the second coming of Christ as the ruler of all things, who will rule in true justice.

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Psalm 82 is a community lament. Although some classify it as a prophetic hymn like Psalm 81. The idea here is that the reference to “gods” is a metaphor for unjust judges whom God will judge. The psalm is an encouragement for those who are weak and low on the social scale, who suffer unjustly from those in authority over them. Further this psalm is a call to those who wield authority such as judges to use their power justly because they will someday stand before a righteous God in judgment.

1-4 – The task of the “gods” or the human judges is to give justice to the weak and fatherless and to rescue the weak and needy from the hand of the wicked. Judges must not show partiality towards the wicked. Others see these “gods” as a divine council of angelic beings.

5-7 – God pronounces judgment on judges who lack knowledge and understanding and who walk in darkness. God will judge the earth, and he will inherit al the nations, giving a prophetic word for the second coming of Christ as the ruler of all things, who will rule in true justice.

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