Bible Commentary

Psalms 82:1

The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 82:1

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; or, "in the congregation of God"—"the Divine assembly" (see ; ; , , etc.). El, in the singular, can scarcely mean the "mighty ones of earth."

He judgeth among the gods. He "holds a court of judgment in heaven, surrounded by the Divine ministers, who will execute his behests" (Canon Cook).

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Matthew Henry on Psalms 82:1-5Psalms 82:1-5 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryMagistrates 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…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 82:1-8Psalms 82:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryCorruptio optimi pessima est. We have here a vivid picture of the corruption of men, supposed to be, and who should have been, the best in Israel. It refers to the judges, and tells them how judges are judged (Acts 23:3…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 82:1Psalms 82:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe Judge of the judges. "He judgeth among the gods"—elohim, a term sometimes used for those high in office (see Exodus 21:6; Exodus 22:8, Exodus 22:28). Called gods as being God's representatives. The psalm may be illu…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 82:1Psalms 82:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryA view of human life from above. "God standeth," etc. Earthly greatness, and God's supreme rule of rulers and judgment of judges, are the theme of this sublime, brief psalm. The psalmist takes his stand on the watchtowe…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 82:1-8Psalms 82:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION 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 Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 82:1-8Psalms 82:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryA solemn rebuke addressed to those who, pledged by their office to uphold the Law, had trampled upon it for their own selfish ends. I. GOD'S RELATION TO RULERS. (Psalms 82:1.) 1. He has appointed them to a Divine work.…
commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 82:1-5Magistrates 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…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 82:1-8EXPOSITION 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…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 82:1-8Corruptio optimi pessima est. We have here a vivid picture of the corruption of men, supposed to be, and who should have been, the best in Israel. It refers to the judges, and tells them how judges are judged (Acts 23:3…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 82:1A view of human life from above. "God standeth," etc. Earthly greatness, and God's supreme rule of rulers and judgment of judges, are the theme of this sublime, brief psalm. The psalmist takes his stand on the watchtowe…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 82:1-8A solemn rebuke addressed to those who, pledged by their office to uphold the Law, had trampled upon it for their own selfish ends. I. GOD'S RELATION TO RULERS. (Psalms 82:1.) 1. He has appointed them to a Divine work.…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 82:1The Judge of the judges. "He judgeth among the gods"—elohim, a term sometimes used for those high in office (see Exodus 21:6; Exodus 22:8, Exodus 22:28). Called gods as being God's representatives. The psalm may be illu…Joseph S. Exell and contributors