Ps 82:1-8. Before the great Judge, the judges of the earth are rebuked, exhorted, and threatened.

1. congregation—(Compare Ex 12:3; 16:1).

of the mighty—that is, of God, of His appointment.

the gods—or, "judges" (Ex 21:6; 22:9), God's representatives.

2. accept the persons—literally, "lift up the faces," that is, from dejection, or admit to favor and communion, regardless of merit (Le 19:15; Pr 18:5).

3, 4. So must good judges act (Ps 10:14; Job 29:12).

4. poor and needy—(Compare Ps 34:10; 41:1).

5. By the wilful ignorance and negligence of judges, anarchy ensues (Ps 11:3; 75:3).

out of course—(Compare Margin; Ps 9:6; 62:2).

6, 7. Though God admitted their official dignity (Joh 10:34), He reminds them of their mortality.

7. fall like, &c.—be cut off suddenly (Ps 20:8; 91:7).

8. As rightful sovereign of earth, God is invoked personally to correct the evils of His representatives.