Jesus mentions this psalm in John 10:34ff. He referred to this psalm when answering those who accused him of blasphemy for calling himself the Son of God. The point of their criticism seems to have been that no-one should be called by that title because it indicates deity. Jesus’ reply was to remind them how little they knew their scriptures because in this psalm human judges are called sons of God.
Asaph describes God as the highest authority to whom all rulers and judges in Israel are accountable. He is aware of their constant acts of injustice and favouritism on behalf of the wicked. Their misrule has been the norm that their subjects have experienced. Those rulers should have been looking after the needy and protecting them from injustice, but they did not (vv. 1-4).
Why did they govern in this sinful manner? Asaph gives the answer in verse 5. They had no spiritual awareness, which happened because they ignored the Word of God. As rulers in Israel, they should have known what he required from them.
The outcome is inevitable. Although they have been given a high status, their time of authority will come to an end with their deaths. None of them can reign permanently. They should have ruled recognising the authority of God over them, but the reality is that they will all experience the sentence of death imposed on everyone for their sins by God since man rebelled in Eden (vv. 6-7).
Asaph knows that life will not always be like this. He knows that the nations will one day serve God. In order for that to happen, God will have to judge the wicked. After he does so, those he rules over will know and enjoy real justice in action. This looks like a longing for life in the new heavens and new earth.
But before that takes place, his people should imitate Asaph and pray to God for his intervention and judge those who misrule for their own benefit (v. 8). Concern for our fellowmen should cause us to do so because many in the world suffer from injustice and mistreatment.
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