Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET
PSALM 82
Before the great Judge, the judges of the earth are rebuked, exhorted, and threatened.
1. congregation—(Compare Exd 12:3; 16:1).
of the mighty—that is, of God, of His appointment.
the gods—or, "judges" (Exd 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 (Lev 19:15; Pro 18:5).
3, 4. So must good judges act (Psa 10:14; Job 29:12).
4. poor and needy—(Compare Psa 34:10; 41:1).
5. By the wilful ignorance and negligence of judges, anarchy ensues (Psa 11:3; 75:3).
out of course—(Compare Margin; Psa 9:6; 62:2).
6, 7. Though God admitted their official dignity (Jhn 10:34), He reminds them of their mortality.
7. fall like, etc.—be cut off suddenly (Psa 20:8; 91:7).
8. As rightful sovereign of earth, God is invoked personally to correct the evils of His representatives.