Psalm 82
JPS TaNaKH 1917
Chapter overview
Psalm 82 indicts rulers who favor the wicked while the weak, orphaned, poor, and oppressed remain vulnerable. Their injustice shakes society's foundations, prompting an appeal for the true judge to restore right order.
JusticeVulnerableJudgmentLeadership
1A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of God; in the midst of the judges He judgeth:
2'How long will ye judge unjustly, and respect the persons of the wicked? Selah
3Judge the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute.
4Rescue the poor and needy; deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.
5They know not, neither do they understand; they go about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are moved.
6I said: Ye are godlike beings, and all of you sons of the Most High.
7Nevertheless ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.'
8Arise, O God, judge the earth; for Thou shalt possess all nations.
JPS TaNaKH 1917 — Public Domain. Where these translations come from.