Wesley's Notes on the Bible How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah. 82:2 How long - The psalmist speaks to them in God's name. Accept - By giving sentence according to your respect or affection to the person.
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. 82:5 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.
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. 82:6 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.
But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. 82:7 Like men - Or, like ordinary men.
Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations. 82:8 Arise - Take the sword of justice into thine own hand. Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible by John Wesley [1754-65] Bible Hub |