Psalms 82

1 A Psalm by Asaph. God presides in the great assembly. He judges among the gods.

A Psalm. Of Asaph. God is in the meeting-place of God; he is judging among the gods.

2 “How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked?” (Selah)

How long will you go on judging falsely, having respect for the persons of evil-doers? (Selah)

3 “Defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless. Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

Give ear to the cause of the poor and the children without fathers; let those who are troubled and in need have their rights.

4 Rescue the weak and needy. Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.”

Be the saviour of the poor and those who have nothing: take them out of the hand of the evil-doers.

5 They do not know, neither do they understand. They walk back and forth in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are shaken.

They have no knowledge or sense; they go about in the dark: all the bases of the earth are moved.

6 I said, “You are gods, all of you are sons of the Most High.

I said, You are gods; all of you are the sons of the Most High:

7 Nevertheless you shall die like men, and fall like one of the rulers.”

But you will come to death like men, falling like one of the rulers of the earth.

8 Arise, God, judge the earth, for you inherit all of the nations.

Up! O God, come as judge of the earth; for all the nations are your heritage.