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Psalms 82 — Defend the Poor and Fatherless
Summary
God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. How long will ye judge unjustly? 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. I have said, Ye are gods. Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.
Key verse
“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.”
— Psalm 82:3-4
Outline
- v.1-7 God judges the judges
- v.8 Arise, O God
Verse-by-verse
3
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Key doctrines
Justice for the Poor and Fatherless
Psalm 82:3 · Isaiah 1:17 · James 1:27
Application
Verse 3 measures the institutions you lead or participate in. Are the most vulnerable defended? If not, the chapter's judges are addressed to your sphere.
Christ in this chapter
Christ defended the poor, the outcast, the fatherless. His ministry embodied the chapter's commands.
The instruction to judges. The verse is the litmus test for civic and religious authority.
A check on every leader. Are the poor and fatherless defended in your sphere?