PS 82 We have here the dignity and duty of magistrates, ver. 1-4. The wickedness of some magistrates, and their doom, ver. 5-7. A prayer to God, ver. 8. A psalm of Asaph.

1. 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.

2. How long - The psalmist speaks to them in God's name. Accept - By giving sentence according to your respect or affection to the person.

5. They - The magistrates of whom this psalm treats. Know not - The duty of their place. Nor will - Their ignorance is wilful. Walk on - They persist: it is their constant course. In darkness - In their sinful courses. The foundations - This corruption of the supreme rulers, flows from them to their inferior officers and members.

6. Have said - I have given you my name and power to rule your people in my stead. All - Not only the rulers of Israel, but of all other nations. Children - Representing my person, and bearing both my name and authority.

7. Like men - Or, like ordinary men.