Psalm 82:1

Psalm 82:1

A call for justice

A first reading of this Psalm will raise a few eyebrows, there are a number of questions to answer: -

·      Where and what is the great assembly?

·      Who are the “gods” – the sons of the Most High, who will die like mere mortals?

·      How does God defend the unjust?

·      How does God show partiality to the wicked?

·      What is the meaning of the foundations of the earth being shaken?

 

There are at least three scenarios that will fit into this Psalm. God is, of course, the President, the Judge, and the King of all things who has the last word. The “gods” could be the unjust leaders and rulers of Israel. Alternatively, they could be the kings and rulers of the nations who are so powerful and conceited that they think they are divine beings. The final scenario is a spiritual one; the Psalm is speaking to the evil powers and authorities, under Satan’s control, that rule over the earth. Perhaps the Psalm is embracing all these situations, let’s look at what it has to say.

 

V1        This is not the first time that we have been given a glimpse of the heavenly world beyond this earthly one that we live in. Nor is this Psalm the only time we get some clues as to what goes on there. The prophet Micaiah was faced with an unholy alliance between the kings of Judah and Israel, Jehoshaphat and Ahab, who were plotting to join forces and fight the Arameans. Micaiah alone, spoke against this plan with these words, “I saw the Lord sitting on His throne with all the multitudes of heaven standing around Him on His right and on His left ….” 1 Kings 22:19. In Job 1 and 2 we read about the angels presenting themselves before the Lord, on these occasions even Satan is present!        

I agree with many commentators who suggest that the “gods” are the “mighty ones” who are appointed to act as judges, magistrates and rulers on the earth. In those roles they are passing judgements on the people in their care and in accepting these roles they are acting as gods. God Himself will judge such people for their decision making and their interpretations of justice.

However, I also believe that the “gods” are the heavenly beings who stand in God’s presence and have to account to Him. 

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