This psalm was probably penned for the direction and warning of the Jewish courts of judicature. It represents, (1.) The dignity of magistrates, and their dependence on God as their sovereign Governor and Judge, ver. 1, 6. (2.) Their duty, ver. 3-4. (3.) Their too frequent degeneracy and mischievousness, and the just punishment thereof, ver. 2, 5, 7. (4.) The saint's request for the establishment of God's kingdom in the world, ver. 8.
While I sing, let me stand in awe of Jehovah's authority and presence. Let me remember I must be answerable to him for all my conduct. Let me be affected with my meanness and corruption. Let me revere magistrates as the deputies of God on earth. And in every station in which God hath placed me, let my care be, in all things to live honestly, and to cry mightily that the kingdoms of this world may quickly be made the kingdoms of my Lord and of his Christ.
1 A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.
2 How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.
3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
5 They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.
6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
7 But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.
8 Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.
1 In gods' assembly God doth stand;
he judgeth gods among.
2 How long, accepting persons vile,
will ye give judgment wrong?
3 Defend the poor and fatherless;
to poor oppress'd do right.
4 The poor and needy ones set free;
rid them from ill men's might.
5 They know not, nor will understand;
in darkness they walk on:
All the foundations of the earth
out of their course are gone.
6 I said that ye are gods, and are
sons of the Highest all:
7 But ye shall die like men, and as
one of the princes fall.
8 O God, do thou raise up thyself,
the earth to judgment call:
For thou, as thine inheritance,
shalt take the nations all.
Eternal God, to whom all power and empire appertain: grant of thy infinite goodness, that they whom thou hast appointed rulers and governors over us, may so discharge themselves of their duty and office, that the glory of thy most holy name may be advanced, the godly may be maintained, the wicked punished, and the poor comforted: to the end, that passing over a quiet and peaceable life under their government, we may render all honour and praise unto thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord.