1.
God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.
1. congregation—(Compare
Exodus 12:3; Exodus 16:1).
of the mighty—that is,
of God, of His appointment.
the gods—or, "judges"
(Exodus 21:6; Exodus 22:9),
God's representatives.
2.
How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.
2. accept the persons—literally,
"lift up the faces," that is, from dejection, or admit to
favor and communion, regardless of merit (Leviticus 19:15;
Proverbs 18:5).
3.
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
3, 4. So must good judges act
(Psalms 10:14; Job 29:12).
4.
Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
4. poor and needy—(Compare
Psalms 34:10; Psalms 41:1).
5.
They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.
5. By the wilful ignorance and
negligence of judges, anarchy ensues (Psalms 11:3;
Psalms 75:3).
out of course—(Compare
Margin; Psalms 9:6; Psalms 62:2).
6.
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
6, 7. Though God admitted their
official dignity (John 10:34),
He reminds them of their mortality.
7.
But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.
7. fall like, c.—be cut off
suddenly (Psalms 20:8 Psalms 91:7).
8.
Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.
8. As rightful sovereign of
earth, God is invoked personally to correct the evils of His
representatives.