Psalm 82:1 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 82:1-5

We have here, I. God's supreme presidency and power in all councils and courts asserted and laid down, as a great truth necessary to be believed both by princes and subjects (Ps. 82:1): God stands, as chief director, in the congregation of the mighty, the mighty One, in coetu fortis?in the councils of the prince, the supreme magistrate, and he judges among the gods, the inferior magistrates; both the legislative and the executive power of princes is under his eye and his hand. Observe here, 1.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 82:1

God standeth in the congregation of the mighty ,.... The Syriac version renders it, "in the congregation of angels"; they are mighty, and excel in strength, and there is a large company of them, even an innumerable one, and who surround the throne of the Majesty on high. Christ, who is God over all, was among those on Mount Sinai, and when he ascended to heaven; and with these he will descend when he comes a second time, Psalm 68:17 . The Targum interprets it of the righteous thus, "God,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:1

God standeth in the congregation of the mighty - The Hebrew should be translated, "God standeth in the assembly of God." God is among his people; and he presides especially in those courts of justice which himself has established. The Court of King's Bench is properly the place where the king presides, and where he is supposed to be always present. But the kings of England seldom make their appearance there. King James I sometimes attended: at such times it might be said, "The king is in the... read more

John Calvin

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

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.

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

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 82:1-5

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 82:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:1

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

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

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:1-8

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