View Psalms 82 in the note window.
We have here the dignity and duty of magistrates, ver. 1 - 4.
The wickedness of some magistrates, and their doom, ver. 5 - 7.
A prayer to God, ver. 8.
A psalm of Asaph.
1: Standeth - To observe all that is said or done there.
Mighty - Kings or chief rulers. By their congregation he understands
all persons whatsoever of this high and sacred order. Judgeth - Passes
sentence upon them. The gods - Judges and magistrates are called gods,
because they have their commission from God, and act as his deputies.
2: How long - The psalmist speaks to them in God's name.
Accept - By giving sentence according to your respect or affection
to the person.
5: They - The magistrates of whom this psalm treats. Know not - The
duty of their place. Nor will - Their ignorance is wilful.
Walk on - They persist: it is their constant course. In darkness - In
their sinful courses. The foundations - This corruption of the supreme
rulers, flows from them to their inferior officers and members.
6: Have said - I have given you my name and power to rule your
people in my stead. All - Not only the rulers of Israel, but of all
other nations. Children - Representing my person, and bearing both
my name and authority.
7: Like men - Or, like ordinary men.
8: Arise - Take the sword of justice into thine own hand.
