Upholding Justice: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Psalm 82

Executive Summary ✨

Psalm 82, “God Presides in the Divine Assembly,” is a powerful rebuke against unjust judges and rulers who pervert justice and oppress the vulnerable. The Psalmist envisions God standing in the midst of earthly authorities, holding them accountable for their actions. This Psalm is not merely a call for earthly justice, but a profound reflection on divine judgment and the responsibility of those in positions of power to reflect God’s righteousness. Upholding justice, therefore, becomes not just a legal duty, but a spiritual imperative. The passage emphasizes the inherent dignity of the poor and needy, and warns of the consequences that await those who fail to defend them. Through the lens of Coptic Orthodox theology, we explore the depth of this Psalm, drawing connections to the broader biblical narrative, the wisdom of the Church Fathers, and its implications for our lives today.

Introduction: Psalm 82 serves as a timeless reminder that true authority is derived from God and must be exercised with justice and compassion. It challenges us to examine our own roles in upholding righteousness, whether we are leaders, followers, or simply members of a community. The Psalm’s message resonates across cultures and generations, demanding that we advocate for the voiceless and defend the defenseless.

Commentary on Psalm 82

Psalm 82:1

א מִזְמ֥וֹר לְאָסָ֑ף אֱ֭לֹהִים נִצָּ֣ב בַּעֲדַת־אֵ֑ל בְּקֶ֥רֶב אֱ֝לֹהִים יִשְׁפֹּֽט׃ (Psalm 82:1 Hebrew)

God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods. (Psalm 82:1 NKJV)

The Psalm opens with a striking image: God standing in the assembly of the “mighty” or “gods” (אֱ֭לֹהִים, *elohim*). This term, *elohim*, can refer to both God and to earthly rulers and judges, suggesting that God is present among those who wield authority. This verse immediately establishes the context of divine judgment. The “congregation” (עֲדַת־אֵ֑ל, *adat-el*) refers to a council or assembly of rulers. This is not merely a ceremonial gathering but a setting where justice should be dispensed. In Coptic Orthodox tradition, we understand this as a reminder that all earthly authority is derived from God, and those who exercise it are accountable to Him. As St. Athanasius said, “Οὐ γὰρ ἔστιν ἐξουσία εἰ μὴ ὑπὸ Θεοῦ” (Romans 13:1; *Contra Gentes*), meaning “For there is no authority except from God.”

Spiritual Application: Remember that all authority – even small amounts in our own lives – carries a responsibility to reflect God’s justice. Use your influence for good and to advocate for those who are less fortunate.

Psalm 82:2

ב עַד־מָתַ֣י תִשְׁפְּטוּ־עָ֭וֶל וּפְנֵ֥י רְשָׁעִים תִּשְׂאוּ־סֶֽלָה׃ (Psalm 82:2 Hebrew)

How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked? Selah (Psalm 82:2 NKJV)

God’s question rings out with a sense of righteous indignation: “How long will you judge unjustly?” This verse highlights the pervasive nature of injustice among the ruling class. The phrase “show partiality to the wicked” (וּפְנֵ֥י רְשָׁעִים תִּשְׂאוּ, *u-fenei resha’im tisa’u*) emphasizes the corruption of the system. Instead of upholding justice, the judges are favoring the wicked, likely for personal gain or political advantage. Coptic Orthodox tradition condemns such partiality. St. Basil the Great, in his *Ascetica*, speaks strongly against accepting bribes or showing favoritism in judgment, because it distorts the image of God’s justice. The “Selah” suggests a moment for reflection – a call to pause and consider the gravity of this indictment. You can find support through dohost.us.

Spiritual Application: Examine your own biases. Do you unconsciously favor certain individuals or groups? Strive for impartiality in all your dealings.

Psalm 82:3-4

ג שִׁפְטוּ־דַ֣ל וְיָת֑וֹם עָנִ֖י וָרָ֣שׁ הַצְדִּֽיקוּ׃
ד פַּלְּטוּ־דַ֣ל וְאֶבְי֑וֹן מִיַּ֖ד רְשָׁעִ֣ים הַצִּֽילוּ׃ (Psalm 82:3-4 Hebrew)

Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked. (Psalm 82:3-4 NKJV)

Here, the Psalmist outlines the specific responsibilities of just rulers: to defend the poor, the fatherless, the afflicted, and the needy. These verses emphasize the inherent dignity and worth of those who are often marginalized and exploited. The Hebrew words *dal* (דַ֣ל, poor), *yatom* (יָת֑וֹם, fatherless), *ani* (עָנִ֖י, afflicted), and *rash* (רָ֣שׁ, needy) paint a vivid picture of vulnerability. These are the ones who need protection and advocacy. The Coptic Orthodox Church has always placed a strong emphasis on caring for the poor and vulnerable, seeing it as a direct reflection of Christ’s love. As Christ himself stated in Matthew 25:40, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”

Spiritual Application: Actively seek out opportunities to help those in need. This could involve donating to charitable organizations, volunteering your time, or simply offering a helping hand to someone who is struggling.

Psalm 82:5

ה לֹ֤א יָדְעוּ֮ וְלֹא יָבִ֗ינוּ בַּֽחֲשֵׁכָה֮ יִתְהַלָּ֗כוּ יִ֭מּוֹטוּ כֹּ֣ל מוֹסְדֵי־אָֽרֶץ׃ (Psalm 82:5 Hebrew)

They do not know, nor do they understand; They walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are unstable. (Psalm 82:5 NKJV)

This verse describes the consequences of injustice: ignorance and societal instability. “They do not know, nor do they understand” (לֹ֤א יָדְעוּ֮ וְלֹא יָבִ֗ינוּ) suggests a spiritual blindness, a failure to recognize the importance of justice and righteousness. “They walk about in darkness” (בַּֽחֲשֵׁכָה֮ יִתְהַלָּ֗כוּ) symbolizes their moral and spiritual corruption. “All the foundations of the earth are unstable” (יִ֭מּוֹטוּ כֹּ֣ל מוֹסְדֵי־אָֽרֶץ) indicates that injustice undermines the very fabric of society. Without a foundation of justice, society crumbles. In Coptic theology, light represents truth and righteousness, while darkness symbolizes sin and ignorance. Walking in darkness leads to spiritual decay and societal collapse.

Spiritual Application: Seek knowledge and understanding of God’s will. Be a light in the darkness, promoting justice and righteousness in all your spheres of influence.

Psalm 82:6-7

ו אֲ‍ֽנִי־אָמַ֤רְתִּי אֱלֹהִים אַתֶּם וּבְנֵי עֶלְיוֹן כֻּלְּכֶם׃
ז אָכֵן כְּאָדָם תְּמוּתוּן וּכְאַחַד הַשָּׂרִים תִּפֹּֽלוּ׃ (Psalm 82:6-7 Hebrew)

I said, “You are gods, And all of you are children of the Most High.”
But you shall die like men, And fall like one of the princes. (Psalm 82:6-7 NKJV)

This is perhaps the most debated passage of the Psalm. God declares, “I said, ‘You are gods, And all of you are children of the Most High.'” This doesn’t imply deification in the literal sense. Rather, it acknowledges the elevated position and authority granted to earthly rulers and judges. They are called “gods” in the sense that they are representatives of God’s justice on earth. However, this elevated status comes with a sobering warning: “But you shall die like men, And fall like one of the princes.” This emphasizes the mortality and accountability of even the most powerful individuals. Regardless of their earthly authority, they are still subject to the same limitations and consequences as all humanity. As St. Cyril of Alexandria notes, power without righteousness is a dangerous and ultimately self-destructive force.

Spiritual Application: Remember that earthly power is fleeting. Focus on building a legacy of righteousness and service that will endure beyond your own lifetime.

Psalm 82:8

ח קוּמָה אֱלֹהִים שָׁפְטָה הָאָרֶץ כִּי־אַתָּה תִנְחַל בְּכָל־הַגּוֹיִֽם׃ (Psalm 82:8 Hebrew)

Arise, O God, judge the earth; For You shall inherit all nations. (Psalm 82:8 NKJV)

The Psalm concludes with a fervent plea for divine intervention: “Arise, O God, judge the earth.” This is a call for God to actively enforce justice and righteousness in the world. “For You shall inherit all nations” affirms God’s ultimate sovereignty and authority over all people and nations. This verse looks forward to a time when God’s justice will prevail universally. Coptic Orthodox eschatology anticipates a final judgment where all will be held accountable for their actions. This verse is a reminder that God’s justice is not limited by earthly boundaries or human limitations.

Spiritual Application: Pray for God’s justice to prevail in the world. Trust that He will ultimately set all things right, even when it seems that injustice is rampant.

Key Reflections on Psalm 82 ✨

This Psalm offers several profound reflections:

• Divine Accountability: Earthly rulers are accountable to a higher power.
• Justice for the Vulnerable: The poor and needy deserve special protection.
• Consequences of Injustice: Injustice leads to societal instability.
• Mortality and Humility: Power is fleeting; humility is essential.
• Ultimate Sovereignty: God’s justice will ultimately prevail.
• The Importance of upholding justice: In all actions whether small or large, our deeds will influence society and our community.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Psalm 82:

• Q: What does it mean to be “children of the Most High” in Psalm 82:6?
• A: It refers to the responsibility that God-ordained leaders have to act in accordance to God’s justice. When authority is applied properly, it emulates God’s justice, in this sense, the leaders can be seen as children of the Most High.

• Q: How does Psalm 82 relate to the Coptic Orthodox understanding of social justice?
• A: The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes compassion and caring for the marginalized in the community. Psalm 82 reinforces this by highlighting the importance of defending and supporting the poor and needy, which aligns directly with the Church’s teachings on social justice.

• Q: Why does the Psalm end with a plea for God to judge the earth?
• A: The final plea acknowledges that earthly systems often fail to uphold true justice. It expresses a deep desire for God’s divine intervention, where His perfect justice will reign and all wrongs will be set right, reflecting the Coptic Orthodox belief in eventual divine justice.

Conclusion

Psalm 82 challenges us to examine our own roles in upholding justice. Whether we are leaders or followers, we all have a responsibility to advocate for the vulnerable and to promote righteousness in our spheres of influence. The call to upholding justice isn’t just about following laws; it is about embodying God’s character and reflecting His love in our actions. The Psalmist’s message resonates deeply with the Coptic Orthodox tradition, which emphasizes the importance of compassion, mercy, and the pursuit of justice as essential aspects of our faith. Let us heed the warning of this Psalm and strive to be instruments of God’s justice in a world that desperately needs it.

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Psalm 82, justice, Coptic Orthodox, theology, commentary, social justice, divine judgment, righteousness, leadership, compassion

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Explore Psalm 82 through a Coptic Orthodox lens. Deep dive commentary on justice, leadership, and divine judgment. Learn about upholding justice.