Psalm 82

Authorship

This psalm was authored by Asaph.

Outline

(This began as Wendland's Expository Outline, but may be adapted.)

I. Judging unjust judges. (1-2)

A. God stands in the congregation of the mighty.

B. He judges among the gods.

C. He notes the judgment is unjust and wicked are judged acceptable.

II. Just judgment. (3-4)

A. Defend the poor.

B. Defend the fatherless.

C. Do justice to the afflicted.

D. Do justice to the needy.

E. Deliver out of the hand of the wicked.

III. Blind judges. (4-7)

A. They know not, neither will they understand.

B. They walk on in darkness.

C. The foundation is not correct.

D. Although they (the judges) are children of the Most High (and stand in judgment similar to the way God does), they are not immortal.

IV. The righteous judge. (8)

A. Shall judge the earth.

B. Shall inherit the nations.

Textual Criticism

The following is from Barthélemy's Critique textuelle de l’Ancien Testament volume on the Psalms. For a key to the various symbols and abbreviations, click here.

Ps 83,11(10) בְֽעֵין־דֹּאר {A}

Ps 83,19(18) שִׁמְךָ {A}.