'Psalm 82' by John Milton
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God in the *great *assembly stands *Bagnadath-el
Of Kings and lordly States,
Among the gods* on both his hands. *Bekerev.
He judges and debates.
How long will ye *pervert the right *Tishphetu
With *judgment false and wrong gnavel.
Favouring the wicked by your might,
Who thence grow bold and strong?
*Regard the *weak and fatherless *Shiphtu-dal.
*Dispatch the *poor mans cause,
And **raise the man in deep distress
By **just and equal Lawes. **Hatzdiku.
Defend the poor and desolate,
And rescue from the hands
Of wicked men the low estate
Of him that help demands.
They know not nor will understand,
In darkness they walk on,
The Earths foundations all are *mov'd *Jimmotu.
And *out of order gon.
I said that ye were Gods, yea all
The Sons of God most high
But ye shall die like men, and fall
As other Princes die.
Rise God, *judge thou the earth in might,
This wicked earth *redress, *Shiphta.
For thou art he who shalt by right
The Nations all possess.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Psalm 82 by John Milton
Oh, Psalm 82! What a truly beautiful masterpiece by John Milton. This stunning poem, originally published in 1673 as part of his collection "Paradise Regained," is a biblical meditation that explores the concept of justice in the eyes of God.
The Structure of the Poem
The poem consists of ten stanzas of varying lengths, each containing a distinct idea. The first stanza sets the scene by invoking the presence of God and identifying the setting as the courtroom of the divine.
In the second stanza, Milton introduces the main characters of the poem, the "gods" or "sons of God." These beings are presented as judges who are supposed to uphold justice and righteousness, but who have failed in their duties.
The third stanza introduces the accused, who are identified as "the wicked." The fourth stanza presents their crimes, which include oppression and neglect of the poor and needy.
The fifth stanza switches to the perspective of the divine judge, who condemns the gods for their inaction and failure to uphold justice. The sixth stanza elaborates on this judgment, describing how the gods will fall like mortals and perish.
The seventh and eighth stanzas contain a message of hope for the oppressed, promising that God will personally intervene to set things right. The ninth stanza returns to the perspective of the divine judge, who reiterates his condemnation of the gods and their failure to uphold justice.
Finally, in the tenth stanza, Milton concludes the poem by invoking the name of God and affirming his eternal justice.
The Themes of the Poem
The central theme of Psalm 82 is justice, and the poem explores this theme from several angles. First, it examines the responsibility of judges and rulers to uphold justice and righteousness. The "gods" in the poem are supposed to be the guardians of justice, but they have failed in their duties, leading to the oppression and neglect of the poor and needy.
Second, the poem explores the consequences of this failure. The divine judge condemns the gods for their inaction and warns that they will fall like mortals and perish. This message serves as a warning to those in positions of power that they will be held accountable for their actions (or lack thereof) when it comes to justice.
Third, the poem contains a message of hope for the oppressed. Despite the failure of the gods, the divine judge promises that God himself will intervene to set things right. This message serves as a reminder that justice will ultimately prevail, even in the face of human failure.
The Tone and Style of the Poem
Psalm 82 is written in a formal, elevated style, characteristic of Milton's work. The use of biblical language and imagery gives the poem a timeless quality, as if it could have been written at any point in history.
The tone of the poem is serious and contemplative, reflecting the weighty subject matter of justice and divine judgment. However, there are moments of hope and affirmation, particularly in the final stanzas, that provide a sense of comfort and reassurance to the reader.
The Biblical Context of the Poem
Psalm 82 is based on a passage from the book of Psalms, in which God stands in the assembly of the "gods" and rebukes them for their failure to uphold justice. The poem expands on this concept, exploring the consequences of this failure and the promise of divine intervention.
Milton's interpretation of the passage is notable for its focus on the responsibility of judges and rulers to uphold justice. This theme is particularly relevant to Milton's own time, as he lived during a period of political and religious upheaval in England.
Conclusion
In Psalm 82, John Milton has created a beautiful and thought-provoking meditation on the concept of justice. Through the use of biblical language and imagery, he explores the responsibility of judges and rulers to uphold justice, the consequences of their failure, and the promise of divine intervention. The poem's timeless quality and message of hope make it a valuable contribution to the tradition of biblical poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Psalm 82 by John Milton is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful piece that speaks to the human condition and the struggle for justice. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and imagery used in the poem, as well as the historical context in which it was written.
The poem begins with a powerful image of God standing in the midst of a council of judges. The judges are described as being "gods" and "sons of the Most High." This imagery is drawn from the Bible, where the term "gods" is used to describe human judges who act as representatives of God's justice on earth. The use of this imagery in the poem serves to emphasize the importance of justice and the role of human judges in upholding it.
The poem then goes on to describe the failure of these judges to uphold justice. They are accused of showing partiality to the wicked and neglecting the needs of the poor and oppressed. This accusation is a powerful indictment of the human condition. It speaks to the fact that even those who are charged with upholding justice can be corrupted by power and wealth.
The poem then takes a turn towards the prophetic. God is described as rising up to judge the judges. He declares that they will die like men and fall like any other ruler. This imagery is drawn from the Bible, where the fall of rulers is often seen as a sign of God's judgment. The use of this imagery in the poem serves to emphasize the power and authority of God and the inevitability of his judgment.
The poem then ends with a call to action. The reader is urged to rise up and take action against injustice. They are called to defend the poor and the oppressed and to hold those in power accountable for their actions. This call to action is a powerful reminder that justice is not something that can be passively hoped for, but something that must be actively pursued.
In terms of historical context, Psalm 82 was written during a time of great political and social upheaval. John Milton was a Puritan who lived during the English Civil War. This was a time when the monarchy was overthrown and replaced with a republic. It was also a time of great religious and political turmoil, with different factions vying for power and influence.
In this context, Psalm 82 can be seen as a call to action for those who were fighting for justice and righteousness. It speaks to the need for those in power to be held accountable for their actions and for the poor and oppressed to be defended. It also speaks to the power of God and the inevitability of his judgment.
In conclusion, Psalm 82 by John Milton is a powerful poem that speaks to the human condition and the struggle for justice. It uses powerful imagery and biblical references to emphasize the importance of justice and the role of human judges in upholding it. It also speaks to the power of God and the inevitability of his judgment. In the context of its historical setting, it can be seen as a call to action for those fighting for justice and righteousness. Overall, Psalm 82 is a timeless piece that continues to resonate with readers today.
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