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Day 214

Psalm 82:1a "God stands in the congregation of the mighty..."

Day 214 – Psalm 82

“God stands in the congregation of the mighty…” Psalm 82:1a

SUPERSCRIPTION: A Psalm of Asaph

This superscription is a plain statement. It merely identifies the author of the psalm. Asaph wrote another psalm. The focus of this psalm was to admonish those who served as judges.

THE JUDICIARY SYSTEM OF ANCIENT ISRAEL

In order to appreciate Psalm 82, we need to have a general idea of the judiciary system. In brief the following people would constitute the judiciary system.

1. The king (Deuteronomy 17:14-20)

2. The judges (Isaiah 3:2)

3. The elders (Isaiah 3:2)

4. The counselors (Isaiah 3:3)

THE WORK OF THE LAWMAKERS

They had an important role to fulfill. Their work involves the following:-

1. Upholding of justice for everyone in the nation.

2. Establishing law and order in the land.

3. Ensuring that lawbreakers are punished.

4. Ensuring that the holy name of God and His laws are upheld and taught.

GOD’S PRESENCE

The presence of God was not always acknowledged and certainly lots less appreciated in ancient Israel. Asaph reminded the judges that they need to remember His Presence in their midst.

“God stands in the congregation of the mighty;
He judges among the gods.”
Psalm 82:1

1. “God stands in the congregation”

a) In the congregation of Israel.
b) In the congregation of the mighty.

2. “The congregation of the mighty”

This is often a reference to royalty, to the nobility, to the military, and even to the wealthy. However, the phrase “the mighty” is not restricted to the above. Special reference is made to the judges of the land. Since they have special judiciary powers they are described as “mighty”.