Wesley's Notes on the Bible 82:1 Standeth - To observe all that is said or done there. Mighty - Kings or chief rulers. By their congregation he understands all persons whatsoever of this high and sacred order. Judgeth - Passes sentence upon them. The gods - Judges and magistrates are called gods, because they have their commission from God, and act as his deputies.
How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah. 82:2 How long - The psalmist speaks to them in God's name. Accept - By giving sentence according to your respect or affection to the person.
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. 82:5 They - The magistrates of whom this psalm treats. Know not - The duty of their place. Nor will - Their ignorance is wilful. Walk on - They persist: it is their constant course. In darkness - In their sinful courses. The foundations - This corruption of the supreme rulers, flows from them to their inferior officers and members.
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. 82:6 Have said - I have given you my name and power to rule your people in my stead. All - Not only the rulers of Israel, but of all other nations. Children - Representing my person, and bearing both my name and authority.
But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. 82:7 Like men - Or, like ordinary men.
Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations. 82:8 Arise - Take the sword of justice into thine own hand. Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible by John Wesley [1754-65] Bible Hub |
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