82
A Psalm by Asaph.
Context: Reflection on the duties of a Judge. (Similar to 2 Chr 19:5-7)
Historically, Levites [Descendants of United with] sang this Psalm on Third Day in the Temple.
1 God presides in the great assembly.
He judges among the deities.
2 “How long will you judge unjustly,
and show partiality to the wicked?”
Selah ·contemplation with musical interlude·.
3 “Defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless.
Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
4 Rescue the weak and needy.
Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.”
5 They don’t know, neither do they understand.
They walk back and forth in darkness.
All the foundations of the earth are shaken.
6 I said, “You are elohim ·judges, gods·, *
all of you are sons of haElyon [the Most High]. †
7 Nevertheless you shall die like men,
and fall like one of the rulers.”
8 Arise, God, judge the earth,
for you inherit all of the nations.
* 82:6 . Quoted in John 10:34-35 † 82:6 . Quoted in John 10:36