Verse 1 God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. Standeth — To observe all that is said or done there. Mighty — Kings or chief rulers. By their congregation he understands all persons whatsoever of this high and sacred order. Judgeth — Passes sentence upon them. The gods — Judges and magistrates are called gods, because they have their commission from God, and act as his deputies.
Verse 2 How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? /*Selah*/. How long — The psalmist speaks to them in God’s name. Accept — By giving sentence according to your respect or affection to the person.
Verse 5 They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. They — The magistrates of whom this psalm treats. Know not — The duty of their place. Nor will — Their ignorance is wilful. Walk on — They persist: it is their constant course. In darkness — In their sinful courses. The foundations — This corruption of the supreme rulers, flows from them to their inferior officers and members.
Verse 6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. Have said — I have given you my name and power to rule your people in my stead. All — Not only the rulers of Israel, but of all other nations. Children — Representing my person, and bearing both my name and authority.
Verse 7 But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. Like men — Or, like ordinary men.
Verse 8 Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations. Arise — Take the sword of justice into thine own hand.