Psalms 82

Psalms 82:1-8 . Before the great Judge, the judges of the earth are rebuked, exhorted, and threatened.

1. congregation--(Compare Exodus 12:3 , 16:1 ).
of the mighty--that is, of God, of His appointment.
the gods--or, "judges" ( Exodus 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 ( Leviticus 19:15 , Proverbs 18:5 ).

3, 4. So must good judges act ( Psalms 10:14 , Job 29:12 ).

4. poor and needy--(Compare Psalms 34:10 , 41:1 ).

5. By the wilful ignorance and negligence of judges, anarchy ensues ( Psalms 11:3 , 75:3 ).
out of course--(Compare Margin; Psalms 9:6 , 62:2 ).

6, 7. Though God admitted their official dignity ( John 10:34 ), He reminds them of their mortality.

7. fall like, &c.--be cut off suddenly ( Psalms 20:8 , 91:7 ).

8. As rightful sovereign of earth, God is invoked personally to correct the evils of His representatives.