Psalm 82

A psalm of Asaph.

1 God presides over heaven’s court;

he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings:

2 “How long will you hand down unjust decisions

by favoring the wicked?

Interlude

3 “Give justice to the poor and the orphan;

uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.

4 Rescue the poor and helpless;

deliver them from the grasp of evil people.

5 But these oppressors know nothing;

they are so ignorant!

They wander about in darkness,

while the whole world is shaken to the core.

6 I say, ‘You are gods;

you are all children of the Most High.

7 But you will die like mere mortals

and fall like every other ruler.’ ”

8 Rise up, O God, and judge the earth,

for all the nations belong to you.