Sharper Iron — Spring into the Psalms - Psalm 82: The Divine Judge

God sits in judgment above all authorities, and He calls them to account for the injustice they show against His divine mandate. He has called them to give justice to those most in need, but when they act in ignorance of God’s command, they shake the very foundations of life. Those who would set themselves over God’s authority, whether human beings or false gods, are ultimately brought into death. Therefore, the people of God call upon Him to act according to who He is and bring His righteous justice.

Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Atchison, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 82.

To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinityatchison.org.

Join Sharper Iron this spring to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Together in faith, LCEF helps to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS ministries through financial and strategic partnerships. Visit lcef.org.

Psalm 82

Rescue the Weak and Needy

A Psalm of Asaph.

[1] God has taken his place in the divine council;

in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:

[2] “How long will you judge unjustly

and show partiality to the wicked? Selah

[3] Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;

maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.

[4] Rescue the weak and the needy;

deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

[5] They have neither knowledge nor understanding,

they walk about in darkness;

all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

[6] I said, “You are gods,

sons of the Most High, all of you;

[7] nevertheless, like men you shall die,

and fall like any prince.”

[8] Arise, O God, judge the earth;

for you shall inherit all the nations!

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Rev. Timothy Appel

Although a mathematics degree may not be incredibly helpful to (proudly born-and-raised Texan) Rev. Timothy Appel while hosting Sharper Iron, his love of CFW Walther and the season of Easter will come in handy. His Call is shepherding the flock at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, Illinois, and he’s also husband to wife Kristin and dad to their growing basketball team of children. When he’s not carrying out pastoral duties, you may find him reading “The Lord of the Rings,” snacking on Reese’s peanut butter cups, playing dominoes with his boys, or studying up on Texas history (including Sam Houston, of course).