UNROLL
A worn stone judges’ bench standing empty in a small town gate in morning shadow, a pale calm sky above the wall.

Lament · Asaph

Psalm 82

For anyone who has watched the powerful get away with it. God takes the bench.

8 verses≈ 3 minBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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Where we are

  1. 1–41Book IDavid's prayers: 'The LORD is my shepherd'
  2. 42–72Book II'As the deer pants'; the throne under pressure
  3. 73–89Book IIIAsaph and Korah: the kingdom fallsPsalm 82
  4. 90–106Book IVBack to Moses: the LORD reigns
  5. 107–150Book VSongs of ascents, and the last Hallelujah

God Presides in the Divine Assembly

A Psalm of Asaph.

God presides in the divine assembly;

He renders judgment among the gods:

Tap to go deeper: meaning, history and related Scripture

God
God

“How long will you judge unjustly

and show partiality to the wicked?

Selah

God
From behind, a thin boy and his widowed mother wait at the edge of a town gate, the bench ahead of them far off and occupied.

Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;

uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.

Rescue the weak and needy;

save them from the hand of the wicked.

God
Night: a long crack running up through the great foundation stones under a town wall, a dark lane running off beyond it.

They do not know or understand;

they wander in the darkness;

all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

I have said, ‘You are gods;

you are all sons of the Most High.’

But like mortals you will die,

and like rulers you will fall.”

0:16

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Two great trade roads meeting on a wide plain under high clear light, tiny travelers of several peoples with donkeys passing at the crossing.

Arise, O God, judge the earth,

for all the nations are Your inheritance.

Pray

Pray for one

Think of one person with no one to speak for them. Name them before God. Ask Him to defend them, and ask what He would have you do.

You’ve experienced

Psalm 82

0 of 150 psalms read

A verse to carry with you

Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.

Psalm 82:3

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