Psalm 82 (81):6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

On the Nature of the Son's Unity with the Father. This argument is connected to a particular difficulty that leads us to understand that the Son exists from the very essence of the Father rather than emerging from outside that essence, demonstrating His co-eternality with the Father. If, as you propose, O opponents of the truth, the Son emanates from non-existence and only comes into being at His birth, then it follows that He would be akin to other rational beings, who are titled God, Son, and Wisdom due to their relationship with God.

The Lord invites us to transcend our humanity. However, to truly move beyond our current state, we must first acknowledge our human condition, ascending from a place of humility. If we erroneously perceive ourselves as something we are not, we will not only fail to attain the elevated state we seek but also risk losing what we already have.

Let the very foundations of the earth be shaken. In this context, the foundations refer to the rulers of this world, who, prior to the judgment upon the Jewish people, faced punishment and were stripped of their power to oppress us, fulfilling the prophecy conveyed to us: Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out (John 12:31). They have been removed from their previous positions of authority, having been the first to be defeated by the cross of our Savior. Moreover, since the nation of Israel faced rejection following the proclamation of the Gospel to all nations, He further declared: 'I say, You are God's people. Yet, like men, you are perishing, and like one of the rulers, you are falling. Which rulers? Is it not those whom He previously identified as the very foundations of the earth?

Let Eunomius listen, let Arius take heed, as they proclaim that the Son of God is akin to mere mortals! Though we are not divine by essence, we are deemed gods through grace. “To those who received Him He gave power to become sons of God” (John 1:12). This is the purpose of creating humanity, that from humans, gods may arise. “I said, Ye are gods, and all of you are sons of the Most High.” Observe the honor bestowed upon us: we are designated both as gods and as sons. I have made you gods, just as I appointed My servant to be a god to Pharaoh (see Exodus 7:1). Once you achieve this state, you will merit the title of sons of God. Reflect upon the Holy Scriptures: “There is no hypocrisy in God” (Rom. 2:11).

Where can we find God's declaration of these words? Some assert that when He proclaimed, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness’ (Genesis 1:26), it indicates that humanity possesses a divine nature through their sonship, being created in the likeness of God. Furthermore, I discovered that God referred to leaders and judges as gods, as shown in the Book of Judges when He directed the people: ‘You shall not speak evil to the gods, nor to the ruler of your people’ (Exodus 22:28). He also identified the Israelites as sons of the Most High, stating, My firstborn son Israel (Exodus 4:22).

Theology refers to both the exalted heavenly Beings and our most holy and devoted individuals as gods (Gen. 32:1; Ps. 81:6; Ex. 7:1). Although the incomprehensible essence of God transcends and is beyond all other entities, and nothing that exists can be fully likened to Him, any spiritual and intelligent being that earnestly seeks a close connection with the Divine, and persistently endeavors to attain His illumination, can, through a sincere effort to emulate God, become deserving of the Divine title.

When did God declare that all are gods and children of the Most High? This statement transcends merely referring to rulers; it encompasses all humanity. In the act of creation, God established a profound sense of dignity for humankind: “Let Us make man in Our image, and in Our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowls of the air, and over the beasts, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing” (Genesis 1:26).

Until now, the Prophet has criticized the judges for their deceit, their lack of righteousness, and their failure to fulfill their responsibilities. However, here he reveals how unworthy individuals tainted by such flaws are of the esteemed position God has granted them. It is as if he were expressing, “I acknowledge that you are elevated by God’s grace; yet, I must also emphasize that you are driven by your human nature. In terms of divine favor, you are like gods, akin to the angels; but in your innate tendencies, you resemble ordinary humans—mortal and bound by sin. Consequently, you succumb to failures similar to everyone else, but your downfall is particularly perilous given the high station you occupy.”

The Lord addresses the judges, proclaiming, "You are gods." You hold a divine status, not in glory, wisdom, or might, but in holiness, compassion, and humanity. Unlike the revered idols that have eyes yet cannot perceive, ears yet cannot hear, and are worshipped for naught, those who reflect the image of this God—Who orchestrates all things in precision and balance (Prem. 11:21)—and serves as the merciful Father to humanity as well as the God of all comfort, embody a true divine calling. You are the gods; such is the honor bestowed upon you by the Word of God. Therefore, heed this admonition: as long as you practice injustice and show favoritism to the wicked (Psalm 81:2).

Asaph and the congregation affirm that this psalm, authored by David, was entrusted to Asaph, the leader of the singers, to sing and encourage the assembly of the Jews to pursue righteous judgment in the reverence of the unseen God, who administers justice to judges with the same standard by which others are judged (Matt. 7:2; Rom. 2:6). The just judgment of Christ the Lord is also revealed when God, who was previously unseen, manifested in the flesh amongst the Jewish community to teach and call them to discernment, stating: ‘Judge not according to persons, but judge righteous judgment; as I hear judgment, and My judgment is righteous’ (John 7:24; 5:30).