Psalm 82 – “gods”
Who are the “gods” in Psalm 82 – “gods”? Are they spiritual beings? Foreign gods? Or false leaders?
Psalm 82
Another psalm attributed to Asaph, Psalm 82 – “gods”, begins with God in the assembly, delivering judgment.
“God presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the “gods.” (1)
The word “gods” is from the Hebrew word, Elohim. Elohim is often used for the one true God. But it is also used for pagan deities or angels. Another reference is to judges. As some commentators state:
“Elohim is here best taken as a reference to human judges, who stand in the place of God in their ability to determine the fate of others.
“The judges and magistrates are compared in this psalm to God, because they exercise something of His power in the right ordering of human society.” (Meyer)
Martin Luther “pointed out that Psalm 82:1, 6 both establishes and limits the authority of princes. It establishes it, because it is God who appoints the authorities; it is he who calls them ‘gods.’ It limits their authority because they are accountable to him, as the psalm shows.” (Boice) (Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 82)
These judges or leaders have failed. They have not brought true justice.
“How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked?
Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” (2-4)
Consequence of their Failing
The psalmist goes on to relate how these so-called gods, know nothing.
“The ‘gods’ know nothing, they understand nothing. They walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.” (5)
This affects the lives of everyday people. “When judges walk in darkness, the lives of everyday people are uncertain and unstable, as if the ground that should be firm under their feet is shaking.” (Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 82)
As a result, they will no longer be gods. The one true God will take away their powers and they will die like everyone else.
“I said, ‘You are “gods”; you are all sons of the Most High.’
But you will die like mere mortals; you will fall like every other ruler.” (6-7)
The psalm ends with a call to God to come as the just judge.
“Rise up, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are your inheritance.” (8)
Who are the “gods”?
While some claim the psalmist is referring to earthly judges (see above), there are a number of possibilities. If we look about, we can see an abundance of false “god”, idols that take the place in our lives that rightfully belongs to our God.
Money and power have long been recognized as idols. People worship at their door, making the attainment of these their gods. They obtain more and more power and money at the expense of week and needy.
For some, their country and leaders can be false idols. Their country, right or wrong, they claim. Blindly they follow leaders, regardless of whether these leaders do not serve their people but their own ambitions.
Others see technology as a new god, forgetting that technology is only as good as the people who program it.
Still others follow popular “stars” such as entertainers or sports figures, as “gods.” They hang on their every word and follow their every movement.
Even good things in this life, such as our families, can become false idols if we put them before God. Fortunately, if you put God first, everything else will fall into place, including your family.
Wisdom and its pursuit can even be a false god.
To each of these gods, I say, “Vanity of vanities,” recalling the words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes. What is power, fame and fortune, even wisdom? All fade away as the grass. All are temporary. Only God is forever. Better to attach your life to that which lasts forever than that which fades away.
Psalm 82 – “gods”
And so, we are called to live as our God commands. To care for the poor and needy, the least among us. To build up wealth in heaven where it can’t be taken away from us, rather than in worldly goods. By our actions we will be known. Our actions show what we value, who our “gods” are. Actions also reveal the false gods around us. Are we so focused on amassing money and power that we forget the vulnerable around us? Are our leaders more interested in their self-interests and getting re-elected, than the needs of their people?
Better to fall humbly before our God than to pretend to be something more than we are, or to follow false gods. Therein lies true riches.
What or who are the false idols in your life? How do your actions betray you?
(For another take on this psalm, see, Psalm 82: A Warning to Unjust Judges! – Patricia M Robertson)
This post is part of a series of blog posts on the Psalms. Sign up to follow this blog and and receive a free copy of Still Dancing the second book in my Dancing through Life Series. click here to sign up
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