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This is a short psalm, little quoted, and seldom used. Jesus quoted this psalm, and, in doing so, showed its meaning and reference. When the Jews pronounced Him a blasphemer, because He made Himself the Son of God, in condemnation of them, and in defence of Himself, He quoted this Scripture of their own, in which earthly rulers were called gods, and all of them children of the Most High, in the authorized, unobjectionable language of inspiration. The Saviour's argument was this, that if the powers that be, as ordained of God, might be so named, much more might He call Himself the Son of God, who, the Father's equal, came on His errand to put an end to sin, and to bring in an everlasting righteousness. In this way there is no doubt that these words call us to think of earthly kings and princes, judges and rulers of this world, and the great ones among men.

I. OUR TENDENCY TO EXAGGERATE EARTHLY GREATNESS. Even to this hour, some among ourselves, contemplating those who bask in the sunshine of worldly prosperity — those who tower far above other men in the dignity, grandeur and influence of earthly station, so exaggerate the position, that if not applying to them the words of our text, and saying, "ye are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High," withal imagine that these are the special favourites of heaven, and that blessed of God, they are to be admired, if not envied of men! Let us beware of all such thoughts. Admitting the value of earthly greatness, and the worth of worldly glory in their own place — and to question either were to belie nature, and to contradict Scripture — there are better things than earthly greatness in its most attractive type; better things than worldly glory in its most fascinating form. It is only by faith in Jesu's name that either king or subject, potentate or pauper, can choose the good part which shall never be taken from them.

II. THE CURE FOR THE ERROR OF EXAGGERATING EARTHLY GREATNESS IN THE FACT OF UNIVERSAL MORTALITY. Suffer me to handle in your presence those things which are the recognized emblems of earthly greatness and of worldly glory, — the crown, the coronet, the throne and the like. Shall I speak of them as baubles, toys, trifles? No; nature does not so regard them, nor do I find such names for them in the Word of God. Still — "Be wise, ye kings; be taught, ye judges of the earth." The throne I — it must be left for the tomb. So perish the things which are seen — for the things which are seen are temporal. But faith, hope, and charity, these three — the faith of Jesu's name; the hope which maketh not ashamed; charity, which is the bond of perfectness — there abideth these three. And, through grace, be these the heritage of kings and princes; and when their crowns and coronets fade and fail, these shall be for them in heaven a better and enduring substance. These, through grace, be the heritage of the poor of this world; and they, chosen rich in faith, shall inherit a kingdom that fadeth not away, and that cannot be shaken or removed.

(John Smart, D. D.)

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KJV: I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.

WEB: I said, "You are gods, all of you are sons of the Most High.