Psalms 82:1

God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. Psalms 82:1.-God stands as Judge in the congregation where princes, His representatives, preside (Psalms 82:1); He reproves them for partiality to the wicked, and urges them to right the afflicted (Psalms 82:2); but they will not understand (Psalms 82:5); therefore sentences is passed upon them, the more terrible as they were once "gods," as His representatives (Psalms 82:6); prayer for the judgment ...

1_God sitteth in the assembly of God. _(424) It is unquestionably a very unbecoming thing for those whom God has been pleased to invest with the government of mankind for the common good, not to acknowledge the end for which they have been exalted above others, nor yet by whose blessing they have been placed in so elevated a station; but instead of doing this, contemning every principle of equity, to rule just as their own unbridled passions dictate. So infatuated are they by their own splendor and magnificence, as to imagine that the whole world was made only for them. Besides, they think that it would derogate from their elevated rank were they to be governed by moderate counsels; and although their own folly is more than enough to urge them on in their reckless career, they, notwithstanding, seek for flatterers to soothe and applaud them in their vices. To correct this arrogance, the...

1-5 Magistrates are the mighty in authority for the public good. Magistrates are the ministers of God's providence, for keeping up order and peace, and particularly in punishing evil-doers, and protecting those that do well. Good princes and good judges, who mean well, are under Divine direction; and bad ones, who mean ill, are under Divine restraint. The authority of God is to be submitted to, in those governors whom his providence places over us. But when justice is turned from what is right, no good can be expected. The evil actions of public persons are public mischiefs....

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...

GOD STANDETH IN THE CONGREGATION OF THE MIGHTY - In the assembly of the rulers and judges; among those of most exalted rank and station. He is there to observe them; to give them law; to direct their decisions; to judge them. He is supreme over them; and he holds them responsible to himself The word rendered congregation is that which is commonly applied to the assembly of the people of Israel, considered as an organized body, or as a body politic. It here, however, refers to magistrates considered as a body or class of people; as those who have assemblages or meetings, with special reference to their duties as magistrates. The word rendered “mighty” - אל _'Êl_ - is in the singular number, and is one of the names which are given to God; hence, the literal rendering is, “God standeth in the assembly of God.” The Septuagint renders it, In the synagogue of the gods. So also the Latin Vulga...

EXPOSITION Two different explanations have been given of the general bearing and intention of this psalm—one, recently advocated by Professor Cheyne, that it is a denunciation of the angels whom God has put in charge of the earth (see Daniel 10:13; Daniel 12:1), on account of the violence and injustice which they have connived at and permitted; the other, that it is a denunciation of the human judges in Israel, who are corrupt and oppressors of the people. The objection to the former view is, first, that the angels are nowhere else taxed with wrong doing, or with anything worse than folly (Job 15:15); and, secondly, that it is inconceivable that God should entrust the government of the world to such imperfect and

GOD STANDETH IN THE CONGREGATION OF THE MIGHTY,.... The Syriac version renders it, "in the congregation of angels"; they are mighty, and excel in strength, and there is a large company of them, even an innumerable one, and who surround the throne of the Majesty on high. Christ, who is God over all, was among those on Mount Sinai, and when he ascended to heaven; and with these he will descend when he comes a second time, Psalms 68:17. The Targum interprets it of the righteous thus, "God, whose majesty (or Shechinah) dwells in the congregation of the righteous that are strong in the law.'' It may be better understood of such as are strong in the Lord, in the grace that is in Christ, and in the exercise of grace upon him; who are gathered out of the world unto him, and unto distinct societies and congregations; in the midst of which God is, where he grants his presence

Psalms 82 Concerning Judgment _ 1. The judge with His righteous judgment (Psalms 82:1)_ 2. Arise O God! judge the earth (Psalms 82:6) His own presence in the congregation of God (Israel) means a righteous judgment. Israel is then owned as His congregation (Numbers 27:17). The judges among them were called gods; the Hebrew word for judges in Exodus 21:6 is “elohim”--gods, mighty ones. Our Lord refers to this Psalms 82:6 in...

LXXXII. AGAINST INIQUITOUS RULERS. Jewish rulers are meant, as is plain from Psalms 82:3 f. PSALMS 82:6 F. The use of the word God in Psalms 82:6 f. is ironical. The great men bear themselves as if Divine, but have to die like other men. [But see on Psalms 58:1. A. S. P] PRINCES: read, demons. The writer may have had Genesis 6:1 * in mind. Psalms 82:8. inherit: read, rule. But the verse is a later addition. God's rule over the heathen has nothing to do w

TITLE.. PSALM. Hebrew. _mizm6r._ App-65. OF ASAPH. The eleventh of the twelve Asaph Psalms. GOD. Hebrew. _Elohim._ App-4. STANDETH: i.e. officially. THE CONGREGATION OF THE MIGHTY. GOD'S (Hebrew El. App-4. IV) assembly (in its civil aspect). GODS. Elohim: used of earthly judges as representing Him. Compare Exodus 21:6; Exodus 22:8; Exodus 22:9; Exodus 22:28 (quoted in Acts 23:5). Hence, Moses is so spoken of (Exodus 7:1).