'Psalm 82' by John Milton

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The Poetical Works of John Milton1648God 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 wronggnavel.
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

The Divine Judgment of Psalm 82 by John Milton

Oh my goodness, have you ever read Psalm 82 by John Milton? It's a masterpiece of religious poetry that has stood the test of time! This Psalm is a powerful and thought-provoking work that deals with themes of divine judgment, justice, and mercy. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the meaning and significance of this timeless work.

Background Information

Before we dive into the interpretation of Psalm 82, it is important to understand some background information about the author, John Milton (1608-1674). Milton was a prominent English poet and writer during the 17th century. He is best known for his epic poem "Paradise Lost," which explores the fall of man and the relationship between God and Satan.

Milton was also a deeply religious man who believed in the authority of the Bible. His poetry often explores Biblical themes, and Psalm 82 is no exception. This Psalm is a reflection on a passage from the book of Psalms in the Bible, specifically Psalm 82:1-8.

The Poem

Psalm 82 is a short poem consisting of only eight verses. The poem is written in the form of a dialogue between God and the "gods," who are referred to as "sons of the Most High" in verse 6. This dialogue takes place in a divine court, where God is judging the gods for their failure to uphold justice and defend the weak and oppressed.

The poem begins with God addressing the gods, saying, "God stands in the congregation of the mighty; he judges among the gods." (v. 1). This opening line sets the stage for the divine judgment that is about to take place. God then proceeds to rebuke the gods for their failure to uphold justice and defend the weak:

"How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy." (v. 2-3)

God admonishes the gods for their failure to fulfill their duties, reminding them that they are responsible for upholding justice in the world. He tells them that their actions have caused the world to be filled with darkness and chaos:

"They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course." (v. 5)

Despite their failure, God shows mercy to the gods, offering them a chance to repent and return to their duties:

"I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes." (v. 6-7)

The poem ends with a call to all the earth to acknowledge God's authority and to worship him:

"Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations." (v. 8)

Interpretation

Psalm 82 is a complex and multifaceted poem that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. At its core, however, the poem is a reflection on the nature of divine judgment and the role of the gods in upholding justice and defending the weak.

One interpretation of the poem is that it is a critique of earthly judges and rulers who fail to uphold justice and defend the weak. The gods in the poem can be seen as a metaphor for earthly rulers who have been given the responsibility of upholding justice, but who have failed to do so. God's rebuke of the gods in the poem can be seen as a rebuke of earthly rulers who have failed in their duties.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the nature of power and authority. The gods in the poem are powerful beings who have been given authority over the earth, but who have abused that authority. God's rebuke of the gods can be seen as a warning to those who hold power and authority that they must use that power for good, or else face divine judgment.

A third interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection on the relationship between God and humanity. The gods in the poem can be seen as a metaphor for humanity, who have been given the responsibility of upholding justice and defending the weak. God's rebuke of the gods can be seen as a warning to humanity that they must fulfill their responsibilities, or else face divine judgment.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of dialogue. The dialogue between God and the gods creates a sense of drama and tension, making the poem more engaging and memorable. The use of dialogue also serves to highlight the contrast between God's authority and the gods' failure to uphold justice.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of metaphor. The gods in the poem are referred to as "sons of the Most High," which serves to highlight their power and authority. The use of this metaphor also creates a sense of irony, as the gods are shown to be unworthy of their divine status.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Psalm 82 is a powerful and thought-provoking work that deals with themes of divine judgment, justice, and mercy. The poem is a reflection on a passage from the book of Psalms in the Bible, and it can be interpreted in a variety of ways. The use of dialogue and metaphor in the poem serves to create a sense of drama and tension, making the poem more engaging and memorable. Ultimately, Psalm 82 is a reminder that those who hold power and authority must use that power for good, or else face divine judgment.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Psalm 82: An Analysis of John Milton's Classic Work

John Milton, one of the greatest poets of the English language, is known for his epic works such as Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained. However, one of his lesser-known works, Poetry Psalm 82, is a masterpiece in its own right. This poem, written in the form of a psalm, is a powerful critique of the unjust rulers of his time. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this classic work.

Themes

The central theme of Poetry Psalm 82 is the responsibility of rulers to govern justly. Milton was writing during a time of political turmoil in England, and he saw firsthand the corruption and abuse of power by those in authority. In this poem, he uses the metaphor of judges to represent the rulers of his time. He condemns them for their failure to uphold justice and for their oppression of the poor and weak.

The poem begins with a call to the judges to listen to the voice of God. Milton portrays God as a righteous judge who will hold the rulers accountable for their actions. He warns them that they will face judgment if they continue to pervert justice and oppress the poor. This theme of divine judgment is a recurring motif in the poem.

Structure

Poetry Psalm 82 is written in the form of a psalm, which is a type of religious poem found in the Bible. The psalm form typically consists of a call to worship, a statement of praise or thanksgiving, a confession of sin, a plea for help, and a statement of trust in God. Milton follows this structure in his poem, but he adapts it to his own purposes.

The poem begins with a call to the judges to listen to the voice of God. This is followed by a statement of praise for God's righteousness and justice. Milton then moves on to the confession of sin, but he does not confess his own sins. Instead, he accuses the judges of sinning by perverting justice and oppressing the poor. He pleads with God to intervene and to bring justice to the oppressed.

The poem ends with a statement of trust in God's justice. Milton expresses his confidence that God will judge the rulers and bring justice to the oppressed. This final statement of trust is a common feature of psalms, but in this case, it is also a call to action. Milton is urging his readers to take a stand against injustice and to work for a more just society.

Language

Milton's use of language in Poetry Psalm 82 is powerful and evocative. He uses vivid imagery to convey his message and to create a sense of urgency. For example, he describes the judges as "gods" who have fallen from grace. This metaphor emphasizes the power and authority of the rulers, but it also suggests that they have become corrupt and have lost their divine status.

Milton also uses repetition to emphasize his message. The phrase "How long?" is repeated several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of urgency and frustration. This repetition also emphasizes the theme of divine judgment, as it echoes the cries of the oppressed who are waiting for justice to be done.

Another powerful feature of Milton's language is his use of allusion. He draws on biblical and classical references to give his poem depth and resonance. For example, he refers to the "sons of God" in the first line of the poem, which is a reference to a passage in the book of Genesis. This allusion emphasizes the divine nature of the judges and underscores the seriousness of their sin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poetry Psalm 82 is a powerful and timely critique of unjust rulers. Milton's use of the psalm form, vivid imagery, repetition, and allusion creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the theme of divine judgment. This poem is a call to action, urging readers to work for a more just society and to hold those in authority accountable for their actions. It is a testament to Milton's skill as a poet and his commitment to social justice.

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