A Psalm of Asaph.

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 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 oppressed 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.