Psalms 82 · Grade 4
The Judge of Judges
Read and Think
The title of Psalm 82 calls it a Psalm by Asaph. It pictures a courtroom. God presides in the great assembly. He judges among the gods. Here the powerful ones who were given authority to judge are on trial themselves.
God's charge is clear. How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked? Defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless. Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy. Justice for the vulnerable is what God expects of anyone with power.
The unjust rulers do not understand and walk in darkness. Though they were given a high position, God says, you shall die like men. In the New Testament, Jesus quoted verse 6 when people accused him of claiming to be God (John 10:34). The psalm ends with a prayer: Arise, God, judge the earth.
Show What You Know
What scene does the psalm picture?
What does God expect of anyone with power?
What will happen to the unjust rulers?
When did Jesus quote verse 6?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- presides in the great assembly.
- He among the gods.
- Defend the , the poor, and the fatherless.
- Maintain the rights of the and oppressed.
- the weak and needy.
Think About It
Who are some weak or needy people you could stand up for?
Why does God care so much about how leaders treat the poor?
Memory Verse
““Defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless. Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.”
Psalms 82:3 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for caring for the weak. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- The rulers walked in darkness without understanding. How can you seek God's light when making choices?
- What does it mean that the foundations are shaken?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.