Psalms 82:3
“Defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless. Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
World English Bible
In The King James Version
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
In Context
2“How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked?” Selah.
4Rescue the weak and needy. Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.”
Cross References
Exodus 23:3You shall not favor a poor man in his cause.
Deuteronomy 10:18He executes justice for the fatherless and widow and loves the foreigner in giving him food and clothing.
Job 29:12because I delivered the poor who cried, and the fatherless also, who had no one to help him,
Psalms 10:18to judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that man who is of the earth may terrify no more.
Isaiah 1:17Learn to do well. Seek justice. Relieve the oppressed. Defend the fatherless. Plead for the widow.”
Jeremiah 5:28They have grown fat. They shine; yes, they excel in deeds of wickedness. They don’t plead the cause, the cause of the fatherless, that they may prosper; and they don’t defend the rights of the needy.
Matthew Henry on Psalms 82:2-6
The Duty of Magistrates. 1 God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. 2 How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah. 3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. 4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. 5 They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. We have here, I. God's supreme presidency and power in all councils… Read the whole commentary →