Psalm 82:4
ESV
Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."
NIV
Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
NASB
Rescue the weak and needy; Save them from the hand of the wicked.
CSB
Rescue the poor and needy; save them from the power of the wicked."
NLT
Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.
KJV
Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
NKJV
Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked.
What does Psalm 82:4 mean?
Money, power, and influence are never evenly distributed. Those in need or weakened need others to advocate on their behalf. A crucial purpose of human government is to restrain the strong from abusing the very weak (Proverbs 31:9; Psalm 72:12–14). When this is inverted, it undoes the basis of all human civilization (Psalm 82:5). This is part of God's command and formal accusation against corrupt judges in Israel (Psalm 82:1–3).In another psalm associated with Asaph he also mentions the wicked rich oppressing others and bragging about it (Psalm 73:8). Such treatment rejects what God says about treating the poor fairly and with deep compassion (Exodus 22:25–27). An example of this done correctly was King David, who exercised his power on behalf of Mephibosheth, who was lame. Rather than ignore him, or punish him for being part of Saul's family, David was kind. He let Mephibosheth sit at the king's table and gave him servants and property (2 Samuel 9).
Psalm 82:1–5 depicts the One True God acting as the Judge of judges. God's intent for government (Romans 13:4) and those in power is that they care for the weak and vulnerable (Proverbs 31:9). Corrupt judges leave needy people at the mercy of evil men. They may also take bribes and deliver false decisions (Proverbs 17:23; 18:5). This disregard for order shakes the "foundation" of the entire world (Psalm 11:3).
The Hebrew word "elohiym" is used for God as well as for generic spiritual beings and lesser rulers. In verses 1 and 6, the term is applied to mortal men. Asaph writes as if God were about to announce a verdict on human judges. These corrupt officials have failed to protect the needy and weak (Psalm 72:12–14; Proverbs 31:9). When those meant to uphold justice fail, the cornerstones of civilization are undone. The psalm ends with a direct call for the Lord to judge the earth.
