The Daily RootedHome StoriesGradesChurchesWhat's NewAbout
Bible:
Answer key (separate)‹ Back to chapter 82

Prints on letter paper in black and white. No answers are printed on the student sheet.

Psalms 82 · Grade 5

Arise, God, Judge the Earth

Name Date

Read and Think

The title of Psalm 82 calls it a Psalm by Asaph. The psalm is a courtroom drama. God presides in the great assembly. He judges among the gods. Interpreters differ about who these gods are. Some think of human rulers and judges, who exercised God's authority. Others think of heavenly beings over the nations. Either way, the ones who should have judged rightly stand accused.

God's indictment names their failure: How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked? Then he lists their true duty: Defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless. Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy. Because they fail, the foundations of the earth are shaken. Injustice is pictured as cracking the very structure of the world.

Verse 6 says, I said, You are gods, all of you are sons of the Most High. Nevertheless you shall die like men. Their high title does not protect them from judgment. In the New Testament, Jesus quoted this verse in John 10:34 to answer those who accused him of blasphemy. The psalm closes by turning from failed judges to the true Judge: Arise, God, judge the earth, for you inherit all of the nations.

Show What You Know

  1. What two views do interpreters hold about the gods?

  2. What does God list as their true duty?

  3. What does the shaking of the foundations picture?

  4. How did Jesus use verse 6 (John 10:34)?

Crossword

54231

Across

  1. ____ the weak and needy.
  2. He ____ among the gods.

Down

  1. Maintain the rights of the ____ and oppressed.
  2. Rescue the weak and ____.
  3. Rescue the ____ and needy.

Think About It

  1. Why do you think injustice is pictured as shaking the earth's foundations?

  2. How can you practice justice for the weak in your church or town?

Memory Verse

“Arise, God, judge the earth, for you inherit all of the nations.”

Psalms 82:8 (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.

  • How can you speak up for someone who has no voice?
  • Why is God the only perfect judge?
  • What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

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.