Psalms58
New Living Translation
1 Justice—do you rulers know the meaning of the word? Do you judge the people fairly?
2 No! You plot injustice in your hearts. You spread violence throughout the land.
3 These wicked people are born sinners; even from birth they have lied and gone their own way.
4 They spit venom like deadly snakes; they are like cobras that refuse to listen,
5 ignoring the tunes of the snake charmers, no matter how skillfully they play.
6 Break off their fangs, O God! Smash the jaws of these lions, O Lord!
7 May they disappear like water into thirsty ground. Make their weapons useless in their hands.
8 May they be like snails that dissolve into slime, like a stillborn child who will never see the sun.
9 God will sweep them away, both young and old, faster than a pot heats over burning thorns.
10 The godly will rejoice when they see injustice avenged. They will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked.
11 Then at last everyone will say, “There truly is a reward for those who live for God; surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth.”
Study
Psalms 58Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 58. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Wicked judges described and reproved. (1–5). A prayer that they may be disabled, and their ruin predicted. (6–11).
vv1-5
When wrong is done under the form of law, it is worse than any other; especially it is grievous to behold those who profess to be children of God, joining together against any of his people. We should thank the Lord for merciful restraints; we should be more earnest in seeking renewing grace, more watchful over ourselves, and more patient under the effects of fallen nature in others. The corruption of their nature was the root of bitterness. We may see in children the wickedness of the world beginning. They go astray from God and their duty as soon as possibly they can. And how soon will little children tell lies! It is our duty to take pains to teach them, and above all, earnestly to pray for converting grace to make our children new creatures. Though the poison be within, much of it may be kept from breaking forth to injure others. When the Saviour's words are duly regarded, the serpent becomes harmless. But those who refuse to hear heavenly wisdom, must perish miserably, for ever.
vv6-11
David prayed that the enemies of God's church and people might be disabled to do further mischief. We may, in faith, pray against the designs of the enemies of the church. He foretells their ruin. And who knows the power of God's anger? The victories of the Just One, in his own person and that of his servants, over the enemies of man's salvation, produce a joy which springs not from revenge, but from a view of the Divine mercy, justice, and truth, shown in the redemption of the elect, the punishment of the ungodly, and the fulfilment of the promises. Whoever duly considers these things, will diligently seek the reward of righteousness, and adore the Providence which orders all thing aright in heaven and in earth.
Key Words
נָצַח: properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the Temple services and its music); to be permanent
עַל: above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אַל תַּשְׁחֵת: 'Thou must not destroy'; probably the opening words to a popular song
מִכְתָּם: an engraving, i.e. (techn.) a poem
דָּוִד: David, the youngest son of Jesse
אֻמְנָם: {verily}
דָבַר: perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
צֶדֶק: the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
אֵלֶם: silence (i.e. mute justice)
שָׁפַט: to judge, i.e. pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Psalms 58Direct parallel addressing corrupt rulers, judges, and assemblies who fail to execute justice.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Strong theological link establishing innate human depravity and wickedness originating from the womb.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Compares the slanderous and malicious speech of the wicked to the deadly poison of serpents.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Biblical echo of charming serpents, illustrating those who stubbornly refuse to listen to counsel.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Prophetic parallel of uncharmable serpents sent in judgment, matching the stubborn deaf adder.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallel imagery of breaking the teeth of fierce, oppressive young lions.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Graphic parallel of walking in or dipping feet in the blood of defeated enemies.
Supported by JFB
Identical imagery of an untimely birth or miscarriage that never sees the light.
Supported by John Calvin
Utilizes the specific domestic metaphor of burning thorns under a pot to depict rapid destruction.
Supported by JFB
Moses' prohibition of charmers, clarifying the lexical root and practice referenced by David.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Thematic connection of God breaking the teeth of the ungodly to disarm their power.
Supported by JFB
Parallel usage of preparing bows and shooting sharp, bitter words like arrows.
Supported by JFB
Thematic connection of the righteous rejoicing in God's vindication and deliverance from enemies.
Supported by JFB
Proclaims that God is king and will judge the earth in righteousness.
Supported by JFB