Psalms [Praises] 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.

1God 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.

4Rescue the weak and needy.

Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.”

5They don’t know, neither do they understand.

They walk back and forth in darkness.

All the foundations of the earth are shaken.

6I said, “You are elohim ·judges, gods·, 1

all of you are sons of haElyon [the Most High]. 2

7Nevertheless you shall die like men,

and fall like one of the rulers.”

8Arise, God, judge the earth,

for you inherit all of the nations.