John Calvin Commentary Psalms 82:5

"They know not, neither do they understand; They walk to and fro in darkness: All the foundations of the earth are shaken." — Psalms 82:5 (ASV)

They know not, neither do they understand. After reminding princes of their duty, the Psalmist complains that, due to their infatuation, his admonition is ineffectual and that they refuse to receive wholesome instruction. Indeed, even though the whole world is shaken to its foundations, they nevertheless continue thoughtless and secure in neglecting their duty.

He chiefly denounces and condemns their madness, which is shown in this: although they see heaven and earth involved in confusion, they are no more affected by the sight than if the care of humanity's interests did not belong to them, though they are, in a special way, the chosen and appointed guardians of it.

I stated a little earlier that what chiefly deprives them of understanding is this: because they are dazzled by their own splendor and perversely shake off every yoke, no religious considerations can incline them to moderation. All sound knowledge and wisdom must begin with giving God the honor He is due and submitting to be restrained and governed by His word.

The last clause of the verse, Although all the foundations of the earth are moved, is almost universally understood by interpreters in a different sense from the one I have given it. They explain it as implying that the greatest of all calamities in the world is when princes neglect to carry out the duties of their office, for it is the observance and prevalence of justice that constitutes the foundation on which the fabric of human society rests.

Thus, according to them, the meaning is that the world is undermined and overthrown by the unjust tyranny of princes. I am far from rejecting this interpretation; but, as I have already hinted, I am more inclined to think that the text here condemns the monstrous stupidity of judges, who can remain indifferent and unmoved while witnessing the horrible confusion of civil society—indeed, even the very earth shaken to its foundations.