Psalms 82 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Standeth — To observe all that is said or done there. Mighty — Kings or chief rulers. By their congregation he understands all persons whatsoever of this high and sacred order. Judgeth — Passes sentence upon them. The gods — Judges and magistrates are called gods, because they have their commission from God, and act as his deputies.

How long — The psalmist speaks to them in God's name. Accept — By giving sentence according to your respect or affection to the person.

They — The magistrates of whom this psalm treats. Know not — The duty of their place. Nor will — Their ignorance is wilful. Walk on — They persist: it is their constant course. In darkness — In their sinful courses. The foundations — This corruption of the supreme rulers, flows from them to their inferior officers and members.

Have said — I have given you my name and power to rule your people in my stead. All — Not only the rulers of Israel, but of all other nations. Children — Representing my person, and bearing both my name and authority.

Like men — Or, like ordinary men.

Arise — Take the sword of justice into thine own hand.