Psalms 82:2

How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.

Psalms 82:2 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 82 is attributed to Asaph, a prominent Levite musician in the time of King David. In this psalm, God takes His stand in the divine council and pronounces judgment on the unjust judges or rulers of the earth. The scene is a heavenly courtroom, and the speaker is God Himself, not the psalmist.

The verse directly questions these rulers: “How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked?” It implies that they have consistently perverted justice and shown partiality to the wicked. The phrase “accept the persons of the wicked” means to show favoritism, literally “lifting up the face” of the wicked—a Hebrew idiom for granting undue favor. This stands in stark contrast to the righteous standard of judging the poor, the fatherless, the afflicted, and the needy (Psalm 82:3-4).

The word “Selah” is a musical term indicating a pause or reflective moment. It invites the reader to consider the gravity of the situation and the impending divine evaluation of these unjust judges. This pause serves as a reminder that their actions will not go unnoticed, and they will be held accountable before God.

Meaning

The verse underscores that human judges are accountable to God, the ultimate Judge, who sees their injustice and will call them to account. When rulers fail to uphold justice, the foundations of the earth are shaken (Psalm 82:5), and God will ultimately judge the earth (Psalm 82:8). This is a timeless warning against unjust judgment and favoritism, calling all who hold authority to reflect God’s own justice and care for the vulnerable.

Application

While the immediate context focuses on rulers and judges, the principles apply to any situation where injustice occurs. It reminds us of the importance of standing up for justice, resisting partiality, and seeking to treat all people fairly. It also encourages us to remember that ultimately, God is the ultimate judge who will hold everyone accountable for their actions.