Psalm 82:1-4 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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 82:2

How long will ye judge unjustly ,.... These are the words not of the psalmist, but of the divine Person that stands in the congregation of the mighty, and judges among the gods; calling the unjust judges to an account, and reproving them for their unrighteous proceedings and perversion of justice, in which they had long continued, and which was an aggravation of their sin; this is very applicable to the rulers and judges of the Jewish nation in the times of Christ, who had long dealt very... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 82:3

Defend the poor and fatherless ,.... Or, judge F4 שפטו "judicate", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Musculus, Junius & Tremellius, Gejerus, Michaelis. them; such as have no money to enter and carry on a suit, and have no friends to assist and advise them, and abide by them; these should be taken under the care and wing of judges; their cause should be attended to, and justice done them; their persons should be protected, and their property defended and secured for, since they are called... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 82:4

Deliver the poor and needy ,.... From his adversary and oppressor, who is mightier than he, and draws him to the judgment seat; when it is not in his power to defend himself against him, and get out of his hands, unless a righteous judge will show a regard to him and his cause; and sometimes even an unjust judge, through importunity, will do this, as everyone ought, and every righteous one will: rid them out of the hand of the wicked ; this was what the poor widow importuned the unjust... 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:2

Accept the persons of the wicked? - " Lift up their faces," encourage them in their oppressions. Selah - " Mark this:" ye do it, and sorely sLall ye suffer for it. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:3

Defend the poor - You are their natural protectors under God. They are oppressed: punish their oppressors, however rich or powerful: and deliver them. 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

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

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

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 82:2

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 82:3

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 82:4

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

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:2

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 82:3

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

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

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