Psalm 82b Commentary
Verse 1 projects the thought that God presides over the assembly of judges. But these judges do a bad job, hence, verse 2.
These judges are also called “sons of God” or children of God. Verse 6. Consequently, they are identified as gods in verse 6.
The Book of Genesis would place Adam and Eve under the description of “children of the Most High”. They are made in the image of the Most High. They are made to rule or to judge. They are mighty!
“How long will you judge unjustly?” Verse 2. This could be Adam and Eve in their fallen state. Yes, Adam and Eve and their fallen children! They show partiality to the wicked!
Then the injunction in verse 3: Defend the poor and fatherless. Of course, they couldn’t and cannot, hence the need for a special “Son of God”, the second Adam who could. Yes, Jesus Christ is the Son of God who defended the poor and the fatherless!
Verse 5 describes the fallen world of Eve’s children – the same sons of God, or the children of the Most High. The foundations of the earth are unstable. There is darkness. You would understand the need for light! Jesus is the Light of this world!
This psalm is rich in its portrayal of the Messiah as the special Son of God.
Check verse 5 and see how these bad judges, these children of the Most High, lack understanding. But “By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many.” Isaiah 53:11.
The grand plan of Heaven is such that the children of the Most High don’t die like men. Of course, it’s a paraphrase of the thought “they shall die like men and fall like one of the princes.” Yes, the New Testament ensures that this disaster doesn’t happen – thanks to the special Son of God!
“They walk about in darkness.” Verse 5. See how Isaiah foresees the Messiah’s work: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” Isaiah 9:2.
The hope of the New Testament is such that the “walk about in darkness” becomes a past event. The prayer of the saint is that the world sees the great light – the Light of the world.
Verse 8 closes the psalm with a statement that places the Most High at the center of justice. He shall judge the earth. He shall rule!
More resources visit https://www.lovingscripture.com
LOVING SCRIPTURE 