In Psalm 82, the Psalmist begins his plea by noting that “God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods” (vs. 1). The word “gods” here is a word that is often used to refer to God himself (elohim), but literally means “mighty ones” and in this passage refers to the mighty in the land. With the threat of God’s judgment upon them, he then writes, “Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and the needy; free them from the hand of the wicked” (3).
The mightiest of men still have a Judge before which they will stand in the final day. While mistreatment and oppression might gain for them power and control while here on earth, it will cost them in judgment! The Psalmist said that these mighty ones will “die like men, and fall like one of the princes” (7).
The sentiment here is very like the New Testament call of James, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (1:27). It is refreshing how much emphasis the Lord places on the protection of those who are weak, vulnerable or oppressed. While it is a special cause of judgment on those in power who refuse to protect them, it applies to each of us as well. The imperative to love requires the child of God to act in the best interest of the oppressed and vulnerable.
