EXPOSITION
Two different explanations have been given of the general bearing and intention of this psalm—one, recently advocated by Professor Cheyne, that it is a denunciation of the angels whom God has put in charge of the earth (see Daniel 10:13-21; Daniel 12:1), on account of the violence and injustice which they have connived at and permitted; the other, that it is a denunciation of the human judges in Israel, who are corrupt and oppressors of the people. The objection to the former view is, first, that the angels are nowhere else taxed with wrong doing, or with anything worse than folly (Job 15:15); and, secondly, that it is inconceivable that God should entrust the government of the world to such imperfect and peccant beings Moreover, that God should threaten his angels with death (Psalms 82:7) is contrary to the whole tone and spirit of the rest of Scripture. The other interpretation is, therefore, to be preferred. God, standing amid the angelic host in heaven, denounces the unjust judges who are bearing sway over his people on earth. The writer of the psalm may well be the Asaph of David's time. It consists of an exordium (Psalms 82:1); a body, composed of denunciation and threats (Psalms 82:2-7); and a conclusion, calling on God to take immediate action (Psalms 82:8).