The keynote of this Psalm is Rejoicing, because God is our Strength. “This,” i.e., this Joyous At-titude of Mind, based on the true Knowledge of “God,” is the true Law, and as such is the Foundation of the whole life of the True Israel (verses and 5). Verses 9 and 10 are a restatement of St. John’s advice “keep yourselves from idols,” ie., realize the true conception of God and make it the foundation of your life; as Jesus says, “This is life eternal, to know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” —— Verses 11 to 16 show the natural results of the opposite course. Keeping to the True God produces: 1. conquest of all opposition and that quickly (soon) ; 2, perpetual Life (enduring for ever); and 3, fulness of supply and the best quality, so that we shall be satisfied— “ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”

Remember the starting-point is Confident rejoicing in possession of “ God.”

Psalm 82

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.

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