Bible Commentaries
Psalms 82

Introduction

BOOK II.— PSS. XLII.– LXXII.

Psalms 42-83 are Elohistic, i.e. they use the word God (Elohim) and avoid the proper name Yahweh, probably from motives of reverence. Here and there, however, the name Yahweh has crept into the text by a natural slip of the scribes.

Verses 1-8

LXXXII. Against Iniquitous Rulers. Jewish rulers are meant, as is plain from Psalms 82:3 f.

Psalms 82:6 f. The use of the word “ God” in Psalms 82:6 f. is ironical. The great men bear themselves as if Divine, but have to die like other men. [But see on Psalms 58:1.— A. S. P]— princes: read, “ demons.” The writer may have had Genesis 6:1-4 * in mind.

Psalms 82:8 . inherit: read, “ rule.” But the verse is a later addition. God’ s rule over the heathen has nothing to do with administration of justice in Israel, and there is no reason for begging God to rise and judge, for this He is already doing.