Psalm 82:2

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 82:2

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

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

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

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 82:2

How long will ye judge unjustly? "The cry of the impatient Jehovah" (Cheyne); comp. Exodus 10:3 ; Exodus 16:28 ; Numbers 14:11 , Numbers 14:27 . And accept the persons of the wicked? Accepting men's persons is favouring them unduly on account of their position or outward circumstances. It was strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law (see Deuteronomy 1:17 ; Deuteronomy 16:19 ; Le Deuteronomy 19:15 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 82:2

Accepting the person. Jehoshaphat ( 2 Chronicles 19:7 ), in addressing the Judges, reminds them that "with the Lord our God is no respect of persons, nor taking of gifts" (see also 2 Samuel 14:14 ; Acts 10:34 ; Romans 2:11 ; Galatians 2:6 ). This Hebrew term, "accepting the person," or "accepting the face," is the equivalent of our term, "show partiality to." The figure is taken from the Eastern custom of prostration before a king or judge. The accepted suitor is commanded to... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 82:2

How long will ye judge unjustly - literally, Judge evil. This is designed, evidently, to denote the prevailing character of the magistrates at the time when the psalm was written. Unhappily such occasions occur very often in the course of human affairs.And accept the persons of the wicked? - literally, Lift up, or bear, the faces of the wicked. The meaning is, that they showed favor or partiality to wicked people; they did not decide cases according to truth, but were influenced by a regard for... read more

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