Psalms 82 — with JFB Commentary
The King James text with the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary (1871, public domain) directly beneath the verses it explains. Verses without a JFB note stand alone.
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“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” — John 5:39
1God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.
PSALM 82
Psa 82:1-8. Before the great Judge, the judges of the earth are rebuked, exhorted, and threatened.
1. congregation--(Compare Ex 12:3; 16:1).
of the mighty--that is, of God, of His appointment.
the gods--or, "judges" (Ex 21:6; 22:9), God's representatives.
2How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.
2. accept the persons--literally, "lift up the faces," that is, from dejection, or admit to favor and communion, regardless of merit (Le 19:15; Pr 18:5).
3Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
3-4. So must good judges act (Psa 10:14; Job 29:12).
4Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
5They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.
5. By the wilful ignorance and negligence of judges, anarchy ensues (Psa 11:3; 75:3).
out of course--(Compare Margin; Psa 9:6; 62:2).
★6I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
6-7. Though God admitted their official dignity (Joh 10:34), He reminds them of their mortality.
7But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.
8Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.
8. As rightful sovereign of earth, God is invoked personally to correct the evils of His representatives.
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