82:1 GOD STANDS in the assembly [of the representatives] of God; in the midst of the magistrates {or} judges He gives judgment [as] among the gods. |
82:2 How long will you [magistrates or judges] judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! |
82:3 Do justice to the weak (poor) and fatherless; maintain the rights of the afflicted and needy. |
82:4 Deliver the poor and needy; rescue them out of the hand of the wicked. |
82:5 [The magistrates and judges] know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in the darkness [of complacent satisfaction]; all the foundations of the earth [the fundamental principles upon which rests the administration of justice] are shaking. |
82:6 I said, You are gods [since you judge on My behalf, as My representatives]; indeed, all of you are children of the Most High. |
82:7 But you shall die as men and fall as one of the princes. |
82:8 Arise, O God, judge the earth! For to You belong all the nations. |