psalm-82:5-8-esv

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:5

Verse 5 5They know not, neither do they understand. (425) After having reminded princes of their duty, the Psalmist complains that his admonition from their infatuation is ineffectual, and that they refuse to receive wholesome instruction; yea, that although the whole world is shaken to its foundations, they, notwithstanding, continue thoughtless and secure in the neglect of their duty. He chiefly reprobates and condemns their madness as manifested in this, that although they see heaven and... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:6

Verse 6 6I have said, ye are gods. God has invested judges with a sacred character and title. This the prophet concedes; but he, at the same time, shows that this will afford no support and protection to wicked judges. He does not introduce them as speaking of the dignity of their office; but anticipating the style of reasoning which they would be disposed to adopt, he replies, “If you appeal to your dignity as an argument to shield you, this boasting will avail you nothing; yea, rather you are... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:8

Verse 8 8Arise, O God! judge the earth. The reason why this psalm concludes with a prayer has been already stated at the commencement. The prophet, finding that his admonitions and remonstrances were ineffectual, and that princes, inflated with pride, treated with contempt all instruction on the principles of equity, addresses himself to God, and calls upon Him to repress their insolence. By this means, the Holy Spirit furnishes us with ground of comfort whenever we are cruelly treated by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:1-8

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:1-8

Corruptio optimi pessima est. We have here a vivid picture of the corruption of men, supposed to be, and who should have been, the best in Israel. It refers to the judges, and tells them how judges are judged ( Acts 23:3 ). And it may be applied to all misuse of power or abuse of trust, where, when, or howsoever any may be guilty thereof. This short psalm tells much concerning— I. THE DIVINE ESTIMATE OF NATIONS SUCH AS ISRAEL . They are "the congregation of God." This... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:1-8

A solemn rebuke addressed to those who, pledged by their office to uphold the Law, had trampled upon it for their own selfish ends. I. GOD 'S RELATION TO RULERS . ( Psalms 82:1 .) 1 . He has appointed them to a Divine work. They are to represent the justice and righteousness of God. 2 . He holds them responsible for their manner of doing it. Judges them. II. THE RIGHT USE AND THE ABUSE OF RESPONSIBLE POWER . (Verses 2-4.) 1 . The right... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:5

They know not, neither will they understand . Scarcely "an aside from the indignant judge," as Professor Cheyne suggests, much less a remark interpolated by the poet (Ewald, Hitzig). Rather a complaint of human perversity, addressed by Jehovah to the angelic host who are present ( Psalms 82:1 ). It is not an accidental and excusable ignorance, but a wilful and guilty one that is spoken of. They walk on in darkness. Loving darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil ( ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:6

I have said, Ye are gods; i.e. "in my Law I have called you gods"—I have given you this lofty name (see Exodus 21:6 ; Exodus 22:8 , Exodus 22:9 ), since ye judge on my behalf, "as my representatives" ( Deuteronomy 1:17 ; 2 Chronicles 19:6 ; Romans 13:1 , Romans 13:2 ). And all of you are children of the Most High. Not therefore "gods" in the strictest sense, but possessing a derived, and so a qualified, divinity. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:6

Our changing estimates of men. "I have said, Ye are gods … but ye shall die like men." Life, in its progression, involves a process of "disillusioning." The youth builds "castles in the air," "castles in Spain;" but advancing life deals with them as the growing sunshine deals with morning mists. We begin life with admiring and trusting everybody; it is well for us if advancing life does not find us standing beside the psalmist, and saying, "All men are liars." David thought Ahithophel... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:7

But ye shall die like men. The name of "gods," even the fact of your being representatives of God, shall not save you from condign punishment. Ye shall be punished with death, as other wicked men are punished ( Psalms 73:18 ). And fall like one of the princes; i.e. come to an untimely end, as so many "princes" have done (see Joshua 12:9-24 ; 1:7 ; 3:21 ; 7:25 ; 8:21 , etc.). read more

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:5

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:6

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:7

Group of Brands