Psalms – Chapter 82

Old Testament19 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 82 opens with the words: "A canticle of a psalm for Asaph." Lot stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 19 verses, two threads run through the text: God's covenant promises and worship and praise. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1A canticle of a psalm for Asaph.

2O God, who shall be like to thee? hold not thy peace, neither be thou still, O God.

3For lo, thy enemies have made a noise: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.

4They have taken a malicious counsel against thy people, and have consulted against thy saints.

5They have said: Come and let us destroy them, so that they be not a nation: and let the name of Israel be remembered no more.

6For they have contrived with one consent: they have made a covenant together against thee,

7The tabernacle of the Edomites, and the Ishmahelites: Moab, and the Agarens,

8Gebal, and Ammon and Amalec: the Philistines, with the inhabitants of Tyre.

9Yea, and the Assyrian also is joined with them: they are come to the aid of the sons of Lot.

10Do to them as thou didst to Madian and to Sisara: as to Jabin at the brook of Cisson.

11Who perished at Endor: and became as dung for the earth.

12Make their princes like Oreb, and Zeb, and Zebee, and Salmana. All their princes,

13Who have said: Let us possess the sanctuary of God for an inheritance.

14O my God, make them like a wheel; and as stubble before the wind.

15As fire which burneth the wood: and as a flame burning mountains:

16So shalt thou pursue them with thy tempest: and shalt trouble them in thy wrath.

17Fill their faces with shame; and they shall seek thy name, O Lord.

18Let them be ashamed and troubled for ever and ever: and let them be confounded and perish.

19And let them know that the Lord is thy name: thou alone art the most High over all the earth.

Important Verses in Psalms 82

O God, who shall be like to thee? hold not thy peace, neither be thou still, O God.

Psalms 82:2

For they have contrived with one consent: they have made a covenant together against thee,

Psalms 82:6

Who have said: Let us possess the sanctuary of God for an inheritance.

Psalms 82:13

And let them know that the Lord is thy name: thou alone art the most High over all the earth.

Psalms 82:19

Historical Context

Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 82 of 150 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 19 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Lot, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The chapter begins: "A canticle of a psalm for Asaph." The chapter ends with: "And let them know that the Lord is thy name: thou alone art the most High over all the earth. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Psalms around Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 2: "O God, who shall be like to thee? hold not thy peace, neither be thou still, O God." The passage repeatedly touches on God's covenant promises.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 436).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: God binds Himself to His people by covenant, and He never breaks His word.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • God binds Himself to His people by covenant, and He never breaks His word.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

People in This Chapter

Lot1 mention

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Psalms Chapter 82 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing forgiveness and reconciliation.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 2340) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 82 about?

Psalms 82 contains 19 verses. It opens with "A canticle of a psalm for Asaph." and closes with "And let them know that the Lord is thy name: thou alone art the most High over all the earth. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 82?

One of the most significant verses is verse 2: "O God, who shall be like to thee? hold not thy peace, neither be thou still, O God." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 82?

This chapter mentions Lot.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

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