Ps 82:1-8. Before the great Judge, the judges of the earth are rebuked, exhorted, and threatened.
1. congregation--(Compare Ex 12:3 16:1). of the mighty--that is, of God, of His appointment. the gods--or, "judges" (Ex 21:6 22:9), God's representatives.
2. accept the persons--literally, "lift up the faces," that is, from dejection, or admit to favor and communion, regardless of merit (Le 19:15 Pr 18:5). 3, 4. So must good judges act (Ps 10:14 Job 29:12). 4. poor and needy--(Compare Ps 34:10 41:1). 5. By the wilful ignorance and negligence of judges, anarchy ensues (Ps 11:3 75:3). out of course--(Compare Margin;Ps 9:6 62:2).
6, 7. Though God admitted their official dignity (Joh 10:34), He reminds them of their mortality.
7. fall like, &c.--be cut off suddenly (Ps 20:8 91:7). 8. As rightful sovereign of earth, God is invoked personally to correct the evils of His representatives.
