Unrighteous Judgment in the Land

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PASSAGE:  Psalm 82:1-8

COMMENT: This psalm laments the lack of righteous judgment in the world. The judges judge unjustly and the poor and needy are afflicted. But God promises to judge the judges. He will destroy the unrighteous judges and will righteously judge the inhabitants of the earth Himself. Then, all judgment will be righteous judgment.

WHAT DOES IT SAY?

1.                   How long will ye judge __________, and accept the _________ of the wicked?

2.                   ___________ the poor and fatherless: do __________ to the afflicted and needy.

3.                   They know not, neither will they ___________; they walk in ____________.

4.                   But they shall _______ like men and fall like one of the __________.

5.                   God as judge will inherit all ___________.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

1.                   “God standeth in the congregation of the mighty” (v.1). What do you think the congregation of the mighty refers to? To some degree, it certainly refers to the rulers of the land. However, it may also refer to a higher congregation. Consider Job 1:6; Psalm 89:6; 2Thessalonians 1:7; Matthew 18:10. What can we learn from these verses about the congregation of the mighty?

2.                   The psalmist refers to those who “accept the persons of the wicked” (v.2). At least ten verses in the Bible refer to accepting another man’s person. What does this mean? Sometimes, we can see the basic meaning of a word or phrase by looking at context. Look at the following verses and try to explain the meaning of accepting another man’s person: Job 32:21; 34:19; Psalm 82:2; Proverbs 18:5. Consider also if the words of the phrase itself (accepting persons) might help you understand the meaning.

3.                   The identity of the “gods” in verses one and six have caused many people problems. However, Paul told us that “there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many)” (1Corinthians 8:5). So it is obvious that the name “god” (as the name “lord”) has a general meaning that may fit beings other than the one great God. The name “god” refers to power and authority. Therefore, in context of Psalm 82, who are the “gods” spoken of here? See also Exodus 22:28 and John 10:34-36. How do these verses help you answer this question?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME?

1.                   God told the children of Israel to set up judges in the land to decide in difficult cases (see Deuteronomy 16:18; 17:8-13). Carefully read Psalm 82:3-4 and tell what the major duties of a judge are. Try to give examples of how this should work.

2.                   Verse five refers to the condition of the earth when there are no righteous judges: “They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.” The people are in confusion and darkness. Even the foundations are “out of course.” That is, the foundations are out of place and unstable. How can you apply this spiritually to the condition of the world at such a time? How does Psalm 11:3 (“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?”) add to your understanding? What is God’s answer for such a time?

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