THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF DELEGATES.
Psalm 82:1-8.
Like the book of Job, Psalm 82 opens in the counsels of heaven (Job 1:6-12; Job 2:1-7). There the ‘sons of God’ came to present themselves before ‘Yahweh’ (the LORD), ‘and Satan came also.’ Here it is “God” (‘Elohim,’ the majestic plural) judging among “the gods” - the same word, but translated in the lower case (Psalm 82:1).
The picture here is of God judging the “gods” in the highest court of heaven. There is both delegation (cf. Ecclesiastes 5:8), and accountability (cf. 2 Chronicles 19:6); and an absence of partiality with God (cf. 2 Chronicles 19:7). God’s complaint is that these “gods” have constantly and consistently been judging unjustly and showing partiality to the wicked (Psalm 82:2). “Selah” calls for a pause for thought.
In this poem, the “gods” are reminded of God’s particular interest in the poor and needy, and those unable to fend for themselves (Psalm 82:3-4; cf. Proverbs 24:11-12). This concern filters down through Moses and Israel to the church, and to every individual Christian. In the New Testament, James 1:27 defines ‘true religion’ in terms our attitude to the widow and orphan.
What happens when the courts of the land, any land, in any age, are not administering justice? When there is a lack of knowledge, and a refusal to understand; darkness prevails. Injustice undermines the very fabric of society (Psalm 82:5).
“I have said,” says God (the “I” is emphatic), “ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes” (Psalm 82:6-7). Jesus identifies the “gods” in this Psalm as ‘those to whom the word of God came’ (cf. John 10:34-36).
When the delegated authorities are stripped of office for their failure, it paves the way for the judgment of God. “Arise, O God, and judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations” (Psalm 82:8).
