1 Psa 82:1-8. Before the great Judge, the judges of the earth are rebuked, exhorted, and threatened.
congregation - (Compare Exo 12:3; Exo 16:1).
of the mighty - that is, of God, of His appointment.
the gods - or, "judges" (Exo 21:6; Exo 22:9), God's representatives.

2 accept the persons - literally, "lift up the faces," that is, from dejection, or admit to favor and communion, regardless of merit (Lev 19:15; Pro 18:5).

3 So must good judges act (Psa 10:14; Job 29:12).

4 poor and needy - (Compare Psa 34:10; Psa 41:1).

5 By the willful ignorance and negligence of judges, anarchy ensues (Psa 11:3; Psa 75:3).
out of course - (Compare Margin; Psa 9:6; Psa 62:2).

6 Though God admitted their official dignity (Joh 10:34), He reminds them of their mortality.

7 fall like, etc. - be cut off suddenly (Psa 20:8; Psa 91:7).

8 As rightful sovereign of earth, God is invoked personally to correct the evils of His representatives.