Psalms 82:1

PSALM LXXXII

A warning to corrupt judges, 1, 2;

an exhortation to them to dispense justice without respect of

person, 3-5;

they are threatened with the judgments of the Lord, 6-8.

NOTES ON PSALM LXXXII

This Psalm, which, in the title, is attributed to Asaph, was probably composed in the time when Jehoshaphat reformed the courts of justice throughout his states; see 2 Chronicles 19:6, where he uses nearly the same words as in the beginning of this Psalm.

Verse Psalms 82:1. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty] The Hebrew should be translated, "God standeth in the assembly of God." God is among his people; and he presides especially in those courts of justice which himself has established. The Court of King's Bench is properly the place where the king presides, and where he is supposed to be always present. But the kings of England seldom make their appearance there. King James I. sometimes attended: at such times it might be said, "The king is in the king's court." I believe the case above to be similar. Judges! beware what you do! God is in his court, and in the midst (of the assembly) God will judge. See Parkhurst under אלה.