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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 82:6-8

We have here, I. Earthly gods abased and brought down, Ps. 82:6, 7. The dignity of their character is acknowledged (Ps. 82:6): I have said, You are gods. They have been honoured with the name and title of gods. God himself called them so in the statute against treasonable words Exod. 22:28; Thou shalt not revile the gods. And, if they have this style from the fountain of honour, who can dispute it? But what is man, that he should be thus magnified? He called them gods because unto them the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 82:6

I have said, ye are gods ,.... In the law, Exodus 21:6 or they were so by his appointment and commission; he constituted them judges and magistrates, invested them with such an office, by which they came to have this title; see Romans 13:1 , and so our Lord interprets these words, that they were gods "to whom" the word of God came, which gave them a commission and authority to exercise their office, John 10:35 , or rather "against whom" it came, pronouncing the sentence of death on... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:6

Ye are gods - Or, with the prefix of כ ke , the particle of similitude, כאלהים keelohim , "like God." Ye are my representatives, and are clothed with my power and authority to dispense judgment and justice, therefore all of them are said to be children of the Most High. 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

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 82:6

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 82:6

I have said, Ye are gods - See the notes at Psalms 82:1. I have given you this title; I have conferred on you an appellation which indicates a greater nearness to God than any other which is bestowed on men - an appellation which implies that you are God’s representatives on earth, and that your decision is, in an important sense, to be regarded as his.And all of you are children of the Most High - Sons of God. That is, You occupy a rank which makes it proper that you should be regarded as his... read more

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