In ancient times, the problem of idolatry in the land of Israel was not a minor issue, since the conquest of Canaan by Joshua was not complete, and many Canaanites who practiced idolatry lived with the Israelites in the promised land, as happened with the Gibeonites. And over time, it happened that many Israelites adopted customs from the conquered nations and other neighboring peoples, as happened with the inhabitants of the Kingdom of Israel after it separated from the kingdom of Judah.
And there are many songs in the Book of Psalms that remember these events, because when the Israelites forgot God and worshipped golden calves, as in the times of King Jeroboam, injustice and oppression also prevailed.
Psalm 82 is a reminder of these sad events, and so the hymn begins with a judgment of God against idolatry and the injustice that this heresy brings:
"God presides in the great assembly;
he renders judgment among the 'gods':
How long will you defend the unjust
and show partiality to the wicked?" Psalm 82:1-2.
But then the Psalm continues with an order of God, because the Lord in his wisdom does not tolerate injustice, and defends the humble and the oppressed, and so with these words the song continues:
"Give justice to the poor and the orphan;
uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.
Rescue the poor and helpless;
deliver them from the grasp of evil people" Psalm 82:3-4.
And then the Song continues and criticizes those who promote hardness of heart, the wicked and the unjust, because they cannot see the face of God, and thus a life of darkness is reserved for them. Psalm 82 is ultimately a reminder of the need for wisdom to live, because those who know wisdom also know God, and clearly perceive his face and his divine law. Those who know wisdom do not give in to idolatry and its consequence, the injustice, and remain faithful to the one who is her origin, the Lord of all things, the God of Abraham and Isaac. Psalm 82 has a special meaning for Christians, because it is a reminder of the mission that Jesus had in the world: to fight against oppression, lies, injustice, and deceit.
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