Read Psalms 82 in the King James Bible (opens in a new tab)
Psalm 82 portrays God standing in judgment over rulers and judges who have failed their calling. He rebukes them for partiality toward the wicked and for neglecting the weak, fatherless, afflicted, and needy. Their injustice is not treated as a small mistake but as moral darkness that shakes the foundations of society. Though they were given authority and called to represent justice, God declares they will die like men because they ruled without true fear of Him. The psalm ends with a global appeal: God must arise and judge the earth, for all nations ultimately belong to Him.
Psalms 82:1 - 82:8
1 A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.
2 How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.
3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid [them] out of the hand of the wicked.
5 They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.
6 I have said, Ye [are] gods; and all of you [are] children of the most High.
7 But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.
8 Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.