Psalms 82

Psalm 82#sn Psalm 82. The psalmist pictures God standing in the “assembly of El” where he accuses the “gods” of failing to promote justice on earth. God pronounces sentence upon them, announcing that they will die like men. Having witnessed the scene, the psalmist then asks God to establish his just rule over the earth.

A psalm of Asaph.

1God stands in the assembly of El; in the midst of the gods he renders judgment.

2He says, “How long will you make unjust legal decisions and show favoritism to the wicked? (Selah)

3Defend the cause of the poor and the fatherless! Vindicate the oppressed and suffering!

4Rescue the poor and needy! Deliver them from the power of the wicked!

5They neither know nor understand. They stumble around in the dark, while all the foundations of the earth crumble.

6I thought, ‘You are gods; all of you are sons of the Most High.’

7Yet you will die like mortals; you will fall like all the other rulers.”

8Rise up, O God, and execute judgment on the earth! For you own all the nations.