Ps. 82:0 THE ARGUMENT This Psalm contains an admonition, either, 1. To the chief rulers of Israel, whether judges or kings, or their great council called the Sanhedrim. Or rather, 2.

Standeth, as a judge, diligently to observe all that is said or done there; and to give sentence accordingly. The judge sits when he heareth causes, but standeth up when he giveth sentence. Or standing doth not note the posture, but only the being or presence of a person, as Isa. 11:10, Dan.

The psalmist speaketh to them in God’s name, and reproves them for their continued and resolved unrighteousness in their public administrations. Accept the persons, by overlooking the merits of the cause, and giving sentence according to your respect or affection to the person.

Defend the poor and fatherless; so far as justly you may; as this clause must be limited, by comparing this with Lev. 19:15. Do justice to, Heb. justify, to wit, when his cause is just, and he is oppressed by a potent adversary.

These he recommends to the special care and protection of magistrates, because such are commonly neglected and crushed by men in higher place and power, and they are unable to right themselves.

They, the magistrates, of whom this Psalm treats, know not, to wit, the truth and right of the cause, nor the duty of their place. Men are oft said in Scripture not to know what they do not love and practise.

I have said, Ye are gods; I have given you my name and power to rule your people in my stead. All of you; not only the rulers of Israel, but of all other nations; for all powers are ordained by God, Rom. 13:1.

But ye shall die: but let not this make you insolent and secure; for though you are gods by name and office, yet still you are mortal men, you must die and give up your account to me your superior Lord and Governor; and you shall die and fall by the hands of my justice, if you persist in your…

Seeing the state of the world is so universally corrupt and desperate, and thy vicegerents betray their trust, and oppress and ruin the nations of the earth, whom they were appointed to preserve, do thou therefore, O God, take the sword of justice into thine own hand, and maintain the cause and…