Psalms Chapter 82

“God standeth in the congregation of the mighty, etc.] The Syriac version renders it, “in the congregation of angels”; they are mighty, and excel in strength, and there is a large company of them, even an innumerable one, and who surround the throne of the Majesty on high. Christ, who is God over all, was among those on Mount Sinai, and when he ascended to heaven; and with these he will descend when he comes a second time, (<196817>Psalm 68:17,18 <530107>2 Thessalonians 1:7,8). The Targum interprets it of the righteous thus, “God, whose majesty (or Shechinah) dwells in the congregation of the righteous that are…”

“Of Asaph--(See on Psa 74:1, title). The historical occasion is probably that of Ch2 20:1-2 (compare Psa 47:1-9; Psa 48:1-14). After a general petition, the craft and rage of the combined enemies are described, God's former dealings recited, and a like summary and speedy destruction on them is invoked. (Psa. 83:1-18) God addressed as indifferent (compare Psa 35:22; Psa 39:12). be not still--literally, "not quiet," as opposed to action.”

“God standeth in the congregation of the mighty - In the assembly of the rulers and judges; among those of most exalted rank and station. He is there to observe them; to give them law; to direct their decisions; to judge them. He is supreme over them; and he holds them responsible to himself The word rendered congregation is that which is commonly applied to the assembly of the people of Israel, considered as an organized body, or as a body politic. It here, however, refers to magistrates considered as a body or class of people; as those who have assemblages or meetings, with special reference to their duties as…”

“Standeth - To observe all that is said or done there. Mighty - Kings or chief rulers. By their congregation he understands all persons whatsoever of this high and sacred order. Judgeth - Passes sentence upon them. The gods - Judges and magistrates are called gods, because they have their commission from God, and act as his deputies. Psalms 82:2”

“Ps 82 God condemns those who mistreat the helpless. 82:1 God presides and stands ready to render judgment (see Isa 3:13). • heaven’s court: See Job 1:6.”

“of Asaph: or, for Asaph God: etc. Or, "God standeth in the assembly of God, ail, he judgeth among the judges." Elohim̀ God is among His own people; and presides especially in those courts of justice which Himself has established. Exo 18:21; Ch2 19:6, Ch2 19:7; Ecc 5:8 the gods: Psa 82:6, Psa 82:7, Psa 138:1; Exo 21:6, Exo 22:28; Joh 10:35 Psalms 82:2”

“God comes forward and makes Himself heard first of all as censuring and admonishing. The "congregation of God" is, as in Num 27:17; Num 31:16; Jos 22:16., "the congregation of (the sons of) Israel," which God has purchased from among the nations ( Psa 74:2), and upon which as its Lawgiver He has set His divine impress. The psalmist and seer sees Elohim standing in this congregation of God. The part. Niph. (as in Isa 3:13) denotes not so much the suddenness and unpreparedness, as, rather, the statue-like immobility and terrifying designfulness of His appearance. Within the range of the congregation of God this…”