Psalms 82:2

Commentary on Psalms 82:2 (KJV)

Psalm 82 is a powerful prophetic psalm, often described as a divine judgment against corrupt authorities. Verse 2, "How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah," is a direct and scathing rebuke from God, revealing His deep concern for justice and righteousness on earth.

Context

Psalm 82 opens with God standing in the "congregation of the mighty" or "divine council," delivering judgment. While some interpretations suggest this council comprises heavenly beings, a prominent and widely accepted view understands "the mighty" (elohim in Hebrew, often translated as "gods" but also referring to judges or powerful rulers) as human authorities entrusted with governing and administering justice. The psalm's context shows God confronting these earthly judges for their failure to uphold His standards, particularly for neglecting the poor and needy. Verse 2 immediately dives into the core of their transgression: their unjust and partial judgments.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Rebuke of Injustice: The verse begins with a rhetorical question, "How long will ye judge unjustly?", expressing God's exasperation and impatience with widespread corruption and perversion of justice. It highlights that God actively observes and will hold accountable those in positions of power.
• Partiality and Favoritism: To "accept the persons of the wicked" means to show favoritism or partiality, especially towards the rich, powerful, or influential, at the expense of the poor or vulnerable. This was a direct violation of God's law, which commanded impartiality in judgment (Deuteronomy 16:19). The KJV phrase vividly captures the idea of giving preferential treatment rather than judging based on truth and righteousness.
• God's Standard of Justice: Implicit in the rebuke is God's uncompromising standard of justice. He expects those who govern to reflect His own character of fairness, equity, and care for the oppressed.

Linguistic Insights

• "Judge unjustly": The Hebrew word for "unjustly" ('awel) signifies iniquity, perversity, or wrong. It speaks to a deliberate twisting of justice rather than merely a mistake.
• "Accept the persons": This phrase comes from the Hebrew nasa' panim, literally "to lift up the face." In a judicial context, it means to show favor or partiality, often influenced by a person's status or bribes, rather than judging impartially according to the law. This practice was explicitly forbidden in the Mosaic Law.
• "Selah": This term appears frequently in the Psalms and is generally understood as a musical or liturgical notation. It often signals a pause for reflection, allowing the hearer or reader to meditate on the profound truth just uttered. In this context, it compels a moment to consider the gravity of God's accusation against unjust judges.

Practical Application

Psalms 82:2 remains profoundly relevant today. It serves as a timeless reminder to:

• Leaders and Authorities: Those in positions of power, whether in government, law, business, or even within families, are called to exercise their authority with integrity and impartiality. This verse is a stern warning against corruption, bribery, and showing favoritism. God holds all authorities accountable for their actions and judgments.
• Every Individual: While primarily addressed to judges, the principle extends to how we treat others in our daily lives. Are we quick to judge others based on their appearance, wealth, or status? Do we show favoritism in our interactions? This verse encourages us to seek fairness and righteousness in all our dealings.
• Advocacy for Justice: The psalm calls believers to actively care for the vulnerable and to seek justice for the oppressed. It encourages us to pray for and support leaders who uphold righteousness, and to speak out against injustice wherever we encounter it, aligning ourselves with God's call to "seek judgment, relieve the oppressed".

The "Selah" at the end invites us to pause and reflect on the seriousness of God's demand for justice and our role in upholding it.