Psalm 82

God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? (vv 1-2)

Here we see ample evidence that nothing is hidden from God's sight. He is privy to the highest echelons of power. The word 'gods' in verse 1 refers can be translated 'judges', or 'mighty ones'.

If you are a child of God, now is a good time to rejoice and count your blessings. Men may judge unfairly, as we see here, and may have even experienced ourselves; but not our God. He is impartial, merciful and compassionate. Asaph admonishes the judges of the earth to be like God in their dealings with the poor and needy, warning them to:

Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people. (vv 3-4 NLT)

God expects us, when in positions of authority, to be scrupulously fair in our dealings with people, especially those who are disadvantaged. We are not to be swayed by the affluence of the rich, or to succumb to anything remotely resembling bribery or flattery. James also warns us to be fair in our decision-making.

Judges who fail to honour their positions of power are ignorant, the psalmist tells us in verse 5, and their poor judgement distorts the balance of justice and fairness. As a result, 'the world's coming unglued' (Message translation). How true this is of today's world. When those with political clout influence the law, oppressive rulings and unjust decisions result in permissiveness.

I said, “You are gods, .... But you shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. (v 6-7)

But they will get their just rewards, says the psalmist. Though they may be untouchable here on earth, as Hebrews 9: 27 states, "...it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement."

At this time, those who were mini-gods here on earth will be judged in the highest Court of all!

Psalm 82 Full Reading