Psalm 82 He Judges Among the Gods

A psalm of Asaph Judgment against those who judge

God Judges (1) He stands in the congregation of the mighty He is everywhere – Psa. 139:7-12, 1 Cor. 4:5 He takes note of judgments – Eccl. 5:8, 2 Chron. 19:6-7

God Judges (1) He judges among the gods Spiritual deities or men? Elohim, usually translated god, rarely judges (4x) or mighty (2x) Consider – vs. 6 & John 10:34-36 – clearly men!

Unrighteous judgment (2-7) Deals with corruption and destiny of wicked leaders Every leader ought to be concerned Jas. 3:1 Heb. 13:17 1 Cor. 4:1-2

Unrighteous judgment (2-7) How long will you judge unjustly? Justice needed Matt 23:23 Prov. 16:8, 17:23, Prov. 19:28, 23:1 Lack of justice cause of their downfall

Unrighteous judgment (2-7) The tragedy of unjust judging Let such be found neither in society nor in the church 1 Pet. 5:2-3, 1 Tim. 4:12, 16

Unrighteous judgment (2-7) Some of their sins Not defending the poor and fatherless Render justice to the afflicted and needy Rom. 2:11, Jas. 3:17, 2:9 Deliver the poor and needy Free them from the wicked

Unrighteous judgment (2-7) Lesson for us: Do we help the needy? Jas. 1:27 Gal. 6:10, 2:10 1 John 3:17-19 Matt. 25:34-46

Unrighteous judgment (2-7) Their Corruption (5) They do not know or understand - willful? Prov. 28:5 Walking in darkness – Eccl. 3:16-17

Unrighteous judgment (2-7) Judgment of these judges “You are gods” – placed in positions of judgment & authority Be careful how you judge Matt. 7:1-5, John 7:24 “You shall die like men”

Arise, O God, Judge (8) A cry to God to judge While we may be mistreated by the world, God knows what we are going through Rev 2:10 “You shall inherit all nations” – it IS His world!

Are we prepared to stand before God in judgment?