“Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.”
A final petition is directed to God: "Rise up, O God, judge the earth; for all the nations belong to you." The psalmist calls God to assume direct judicial authority over all nations, taking over the role these failed judges have abdicated. The assertion that all nations belong to God establishes the basis for divine jurisdiction and the obligation to establish justice.
Church Fathers on Psalms 82:8
1. This Psalm, like others similarly named, was so entitled either from the name of the man who wrote it, or from the explanation of that same name, so as to refer in meaning to the Synagogue, which Asaph signifies; especially as this is intimated in the first verse. For it begins, “God stood in the synagogue of gods” Psalm 81:1. Far however be it from us to understand by these Gods the gods of the Gentiles, or idols, or any creature in heaven or earth except men; for a…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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