Psalms58

Psalm 58 begins with David confronting unjust rulers or judges, accusing them of speaking unrighteously and working wickedness in their hearts. He describes the wicked as inherently depraved, like venomous serpents deaf to wisdom. The psalmist then prays for God's swift and destructive judgment upon them, asking for their power to be broken and their existence to vanish. The psalm concludes with the assurance that the righteous will rejoice in God's vengeance, affirming His role as a just judge on earth.

The Corruption of Earthly Judges

1
For the leader. Set to "Do Not Destroy." By David, a mikhtam: [Rulers,] does your silence really speak justice? Are you judging people fairly? ​
2
[No!] In your hearts you devise wrongs, your hands dispense violence in the land.
3
From the womb, the wicked are estranged, liars on the wrong path since birth. ​
4
Their venom is like snake's venom; they are like a serpent that stops its ears,
5
so as not to hear the voice of the charmer, no matter how well he plays. ​

A Prayer for the Destruction of the Wicked

6
God, break their teeth in their mouth! Shatter the fangs of these lions, ADONAI! ​
7
May they vanish like water that drains away. May their arrows be blunted when they aim their bows.
8
May they be like a slug that melts as it moves, like a stillborn baby that never sees the sun.
9
Before your cook-pots feel the heat of the burning thorns, may he blow them away, green and blazing alike. ​

The Vindication of God's Righteous Judgment

10
The righteous will rejoice to see vengeance done, they will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked; ​
11
and people will say, "Yes, the righteous are rewarded; there is, after all, a God who judges the earth." ​

Study Notes for Psalms 58

Verse 1

The superscription designates this as a Michtam of David, likely written during a period when he faced treacherous opposition. The psalm opens by challenging corrupt human authorities who pretend to administer justice while plotting violence and injustice.

Verse 3

This verse describes the radical nature of sin, suggesting an innate estrangement from God and truth that manifests early in life. The focus is on the persistence and intentionality of deception practiced by the wicked.

Verse 5

The metaphor of the 'deaf adder' illustrates the wicked person's stubborn, willful resistance to correction or wisdom, echoing the theme of judicial hardness of heart. They refuse to listen even to the most skilled 'charmer' (wise counsel or prophetic warning).

Verse 6

This marks the beginning of the imprecatory section, where the Psalmist asks God to destroy the power of the wicked. 'Breaking their teeth' (and 'great teeth of the young lions') symbolizes removing their capacity to harm, devour, or oppress the innocent.

Verse 9

This verse uses a vivid simile emphasizing the swiftness and unexpectedness of divine judgment. Before the thorns used as fuel can even heat the cooking pot, God will sweep away the wicked violently, signifying instant destruction.

Verse 10

The imagery of the righteous 'washing his feet in the blood' is hyperbolic language common in the ancient Near East, symbolizing total victory and the cleansing of the land. It expresses the satisfaction of seeing ultimate justice executed against evil.

Verse 11

The psalm concludes with a powerful theological affirmation: God is not distant, but actively intervenes in human affairs. The vindication proves that there is a reward for the righteous and that God truly judges the earth.

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