Chronicles of a Journeyman

Psalm 82

1-4: Rebuking the injustice of human judges

5-8: Divine judgment on the unjust judges

This psalm of Asaph, almost like a vision, pictures God taking His seat as Judge among all gods (judges). The rebuke of injustice that follows is only understood in the light of His presence. His just presence exposed all injustices and wickedness as they are duly called out.

The second part of the psalm exposes the darkness that rules the unjust judges and the condemnation into which they fall for failing to uphold justice. They will die like mere men. The psalm closes with a call for God. The true Judge, to arise and judge the earth.

This short psalm is both prophetic and didactic, revealing God’s disposition to injustice among rulers (who are exalted specifically to uphold justice), and instructing us about the fate of those who fail to perform that for which God has raised them. Amen!