The Unseen World - Psalms 81-83

Psalms 82:5 (ESV)

V. 5 - They have neither knowledge nor understanding,

they walk about in darkness;

all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

To understand the above passage we have to know who the “they” is referring to in the opening line of the verse.   To understand that we have to read verses 1-4. 

Psalms 82:1-4 (ESV)

God has taken his place in the divine council;

in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:

“How long will you judge unjustly

and show partiality to the wicked? Selah

Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;

maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.

Rescue the weak and the needy;

deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

Although most Christians (much less the non-believers in the world) would not understand, or possibly even accept what the above verses are referring to.  But, if you read it a few times it might begin to sink in.  Let’s read it in another version and try to catch the meaning:

Psalms 82:1-5 (AMP)

GOD STANDS in the assembly [of the representatives] of God; in the midst of the magistrates or judges He gives judgment [as] among the gods.

How long will you [magistrates or judges] judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

Do justice to the weak (poor) and fatherless; maintain the rights of the afflicted and needy.

Deliver the poor and needy; rescue them out of the hand of the wicked.

[The magistrates and judges] know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in the darkness [of complacent satisfaction]; all the foundations of the earth [the fundamental principles upon which rests the administration of justice] are shaking.

The point the author (Aspah) is making is that God has, in eternity past, established “gods” (Hebrew, “elôhîym” , or judges) over the nations.   Their role was to enact justice in submission to the only true “elôhîym.”  You will note that the same word is used to refer to both God and the “gods.”  The only difference is the definite article before God and not used before “gods.”    These “gods” are to “rule” the nations.   Yes, we have political, human figures that rule.  But, in reality, God established “gods” over the world.  But, as verse five states, these “gods” rebelled against God.  They don’t know about justice, however.  They walk in “darkness.”   Note that “the foundations of the earth are shaken,” as a result of their “judging.”  In this psalm we have a glimpse of the world behind the world we see.  Michael Heiser recently wrote a book entitled, “The Unseen World.”  His premise is based upon this type of Scripture. We need to know that our “seen” world is not only shaken, but also, the “unseen” world of the gods that God established have also rebelled.   But, notice how the psalm ends:

Psalms 82:8 (ESV)

Arise, O God, judge the earth;

for you shall inherit all the nations!

God will eventually restore order!!