This verse emphasizes the life-altering consequences of disregarding God’s standard of justice.
“They do not know nor do they understand; They walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are shaken.” (v.5) depicts a devastating spiritual blindness among those in positions of power. This verse follows a rebuke of leaders who fail to govern with justice and equity, ignoring the needs of the helpless (Psalm 82:2-4). Rather than providing righteous guidance, they are described as lacking true knowledge and walking “in darkness.” In the Old Testament context, walking in darkness often symbolizes moral confusion or a rejection of God’s light (Isaiah 59:9-10). Such leaders do not understand the seriousness of their decisions, which cause the stability—“the foundations”—of humane and moral order to be shaken.
When the psalmist declares “…all the foundations of the earth are shaken” (v.5), it points to the underlying support systems that keep a society upright. God established Israel’s leaders to ensure fairness and faithfulness toward His covenant—as they stray from that purpose, the entire framework totters. This principle resonates throughout Scripture. Jesus, for instance, warns of the disarray that follows ignoring God’s command to love one another (John 13:34-35). Without godly leadership, the community suffers, and the consequences fall not just on the wicked leaders, but on all who rely on justice and righteousness for stability.
Psalm 82 pressingly shows that moral and spiritual ignorance can lead to the corruption of society’s very pillars. God desires leaders who reflect His righteousness, mercy, and commitment to truth (Micah 6:8). Whether in the time of ancient Israel or within today’s communities, those who should lead by walking in the Lord’s light but instead “walk about in darkness” preserve neither justice nor security for those they serve.
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Psalms 82:5 meaning
“They do not know nor do they understand; They walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are shaken.” (v.5) depicts a devastating spiritual blindness among those in positions of power. This verse follows a rebuke of leaders who fail to govern with justice and equity, ignoring the needs of the helpless (Psalm 82:2-4). Rather than providing righteous guidance, they are described as lacking true knowledge and walking “in darkness.” In the Old Testament context, walking in darkness often symbolizes moral confusion or a rejection of God’s light (Isaiah 59:9-10). Such leaders do not understand the seriousness of their decisions, which cause the stability—“the foundations”—of humane and moral order to be shaken.
When the psalmist declares “…all the foundations of the earth are shaken” (v.5), it points to the underlying support systems that keep a society upright. God established Israel’s leaders to ensure fairness and faithfulness toward His covenant—as they stray from that purpose, the entire framework totters. This principle resonates throughout Scripture. Jesus, for instance, warns of the disarray that follows ignoring God’s command to love one another (John 13:34-35). Without godly leadership, the community suffers, and the consequences fall not just on the wicked leaders, but on all who rely on justice and righteousness for stability.
Psalm 82 pressingly shows that moral and spiritual ignorance can lead to the corruption of society’s very pillars. God desires leaders who reflect His righteousness, mercy, and commitment to truth (Micah 6:8). Whether in the time of ancient Israel or within today’s communities, those who should lead by walking in the Lord’s light but instead “walk about in darkness” preserve neither justice nor security for those they serve.