Psalm 82
This is a psalm that Asaph wrote.
God judges rulers
82:1This psalm says that God is leading a meeting in heaven. He is telling the powerful leaders how they should rule. These leaders may be rulers on earth, or they may be spiritual beings like angels.
1 God calls the powerful rulers to meet in heaven.
He sits on his throne to judge them.
2 He tells them, ‘You must no longer judge people
in a way that is not fair.
You must stop saying that wicked people are right.
3 You must help poor people and those with no family
to receive justice.
Help those who are suffering
to receive the help that they need.
4 Rescue weak and helpless people,
so that evil people cannot hurt them.
5 The powerful leaders know nothing
and they understand nothing.
They walk about in a dark place.
82:5In the Bible, when people do not know the truth about God, it is like they are living in a dark place. God gives light so that people know the truth.
At the same time the foundation of the earth shakes!
82:5This tells us that the rulers do not know what they are doing. They are like people who cannot see their way in the dark. Because they do not rule well, it is like the whole earth is shaking. There is no justice anywhere.
6 I said, “You are gods.
You are all sons of the Most High God.
7 But you will die, as all people die.
You will come to an end, like all other rulers.” ’
82:7The rulers thought that they were very powerful and that they were serving God. But they will die, as all people have to die one day, including rulers.
8 God, now do something!
Judge all the nations of the earth.
For they all belong to you.
