Psalm 82

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:1

Verse 1 1God sitteth in the assembly of God. (424) It is unquestionably a very unbecoming thing for those whom God has been pleased to invest with the government of mankind for the common good, not to acknowledge the end for which they have been exalted above others, nor yet by whose blessing they have been placed in so elevated a station; but instead of doing this, contemning every principle of equity, to rule just as their own unbridled passions dictate. So infatuated are they by their own... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:2

Verse 2 2How long will ye judge unjustly? Many suppose that God is here introduced speaking, and that these are the words which he utters from his throne of judgment. But I would rather consider the prophet himself as the speaker, who, in order to prepare the way for administering a rebuke, had spoken in the manner in which he did in the first verse. Kings may lift up their heads above the clouds, but they, as well as the rest of mankind, are under the government of God; and such being the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:3

Verse 3 3Determine the cause of the poor and the orphan. We are here briefly taught that a just and well-regulated government will be distinguished for maintaining the rights of the poor and afflicted. By the figure synecdoche, one part of equitable administration is put for the whole; for it cannot be doubted that rulers are bound to observe justice towards all men without distinction. But the prophet, with much propriety, represents them as appointed to be the defenders of the miserable and... read more

John Calvin

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

God standeth in the congregation of the mighty ; or, "in the congregation of God"—"the Divine assembly" (see Job 1:6 ; Job 2:1 ; Isaiah 6:1 , Isaiah 6:2 , etc.). El , in the singular, can scarcely mean the "mighty ones of earth." He judgeth among the gods. He "holds a court of judgment in heaven, surrounded by the Divine ministers, who will execute his behests" (Canon Cook). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:1

A view of human life from above. "God standeth," etc. Earthly greatness, and God's supreme rule of rulers and judgment of judges, are the theme of this sublime, brief psalm. The psalmist takes his stand on the watchtower of inspired prophecy; and gives, as the Bible is wont, a view of human life from above, as seen, not in the light of man's judgment, but God's ( 1 Samuel 2:8 ; Luke 1:52 ). I. THE OFFICE AND DIGNITY OF RULERS . In the administration of justice, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:1

The Judge of the judges. "He judgeth among the gods" —elohim , a term sometimes used for those high in office (see Exodus 21:6 ; Exodus 22:8 , Exodus 22:28 ). Called gods as being God's representatives. The psalm may be illustrated by the address of Jehoshaphat to the judges, given in 2 Chronicles 19:6 , 2 Chronicles 19:7 . Our Lord gives the reason for princes or judges being called "gods," in John 10:34 , John 10:35 , the "Word of the Lord" came to them, and gave them... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:1

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:2

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:3

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

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:1-8

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