Psalms 82

1 A Psalm of Asaph. God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods:

“A psalm of Assaph.” God standeth in the congregation of God, in the midst of judges doth he judge.

2 “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?

How long will ye judge unjustly, and treat with favor the face of the wicked? (Selah)

3 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.

Judge uprightly the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and indigent.

4 Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.

Release the poor and needy: deliver them out of the power of the wicked.

5 They do not know or understand; they wander in the darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

They know not, nor will they understand; in darkness do they walk on: all the foundations of the earth are moved.

6 I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’

I have indeed said, Ye are gods; and children of the most High are all of you.

7 But like mortals you will die, and like rulers you will fall.”

But verily like men shall ye die, and like one of the princes shall ye fall.

8 Arise, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are Your inheritance.

Arise, O God, judge the earth; for thou wilt possess all the nations.