Psalms 58:10

KJV

The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

KJV (with Strong's)

The righteous {H6662} shall rejoice {H8055}{H8799)} when he seeth {H2372}{H8804)} the vengeance {H5359}: he shall wash {H7364}{H8799)} his feet {H6471} in the blood {H1818} of the wicked {H7563}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The righteous will rejoice to see vengeance done, they will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked;

Berean Standard Bible

The righteous will rejoice when they see they are avenged; they will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked.

American Standard Version

The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 58:10 is a powerful declaration of divine justice and the ultimate vindication of the righteous. It expresses the profound satisfaction the upright will experience when God's righteous judgment is fully executed upon the wicked, depicted through the vivid, hyperbolic imagery of a complete and decisive victory that brings an end to oppression and establishes divine order. This verse serves as a climactic assurance that God will not allow injustice to prevail indefinitely, but will decisively intervene to set all wrongs right.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 58 is a fervent imprecatory psalm, a genre of prayer where the psalmist calls upon God to judge and punish the wicked. It is structured as a lament and a plea for divine intervention against unjust rulers or judges who, despite their position, deliberately pervert justice. The psalm begins with a direct challenge to these corrupt figures (verses 1-2), graphically describes their inherent wickedness and destructive nature (verses 3-5), and then transitions into a series of vivid curses and prayers for their swift demise (verses 6-9). Verse 10 serves as a climactic declaration of certainty, expressing absolute confidence in God's inevitable and decisive judgment, which will bring about the vindication of the righteous and the restoration of moral order. It foreshadows the ultimate outcome of the preceding imprecations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While traditionally attributed to David, Psalm 58 likely reflects a period in Israel's history marked by significant corruption within its judicial or ruling elite. The "wicked" are not merely personal enemies but those in positions of power who have abused their authority, acting with deliberate malice and injustice. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, justice was often seen as a reflection of divine order, and its perversion was an affront to God Himself. "Vengeance" in this context is not human revenge but divine retribution, a just and necessary response by a righteous God to restore balance and uphold His covenant. The imagery of "washing feet in blood" is a stark, hyperbole-laden idiom common in ancient warfare, signifying an overwhelming and total victory, where the defeated are utterly vanquished, and the victor is cleansed and established in peace.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Sovereignty**, asserting that God is the ultimate Judge who will not tolerate injustice forever, as seen in passages like [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World"). Secondly, it highlights the **Vindication of the Righteous**, portraying their future joy not as malicious pleasure in suffering, but as profound satisfaction in the triumph of truth and the restoration of God's righteous order. This resonates with the promise that the upright will ultimately flourish, as described in [Psalm 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man"). Thirdly, the psalm confronts the reality of **Human Wickedness and Corruption**, particularly among those in authority, and the need for divine intervention to counteract it. Finally, the graphic imagery points to the **Completeness of God's Victory** over all evil, foreshadowing an eschatological hope where all injustice will be eradicated and righteousness will reign supreme, a hope echoed in [Isaiah 60:21](/isaiah/60-21 "Isaiah 60:21 - A Righteous Nation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vengeance (Hebrew, _naqam'_):** This word, often translated as "vengeance" or "retribution," carries a strong connotation of divine judgment and vindication. Unlike human revenge, which is often driven by personal malice or a desire for retaliation, _naqam_ in a theological context refers to God's righteous and just response to evil. It is a necessary act of divine justice that restores moral order, punishes wrongdoing, and upholds God's holy character. It is not an arbitrary act of wrath but a deliberate and measured response to persistent unrighteousness and the perversion of justice.
* **Wash his feet (Hebrew, רָחַץ רַגְלָיו, _rachats raglav'_):** This phrase is a powerful, albeit shocking, idiom. In ancient contexts, washing was a common act of purification or preparation, often done after a journey or battle. Here, the act of "washing feet" in the blood of the wicked signifies a complete and decisive victory. It implies that the defeat of the wicked is so thorough and overwhelming that their blood is abundant enough to be used for such a mundane, yet symbolically profound, act. It speaks to the utter subjugation and destruction of the enemy, and by extension, the subsequent peace, security, and cleansing experienced by the righteous.
* **Blood of the wicked (Hebrew, בְּדַם רָשָׁע, _b'dam rasha'_):** This is a stark and visceral image, employing hyperbole to convey the magnitude of the judgment. "Blood" here represents life, death, and the consequence of violence. When used in this context, it emphasizes the utter defeat and destruction of the wicked, signifying their complete annihilation and the end of their oppressive power. It is not an invitation to literal violence but a poetic expression of the definitive end of evil at God's hand.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance":** This clause describes the reaction of the righteous to God's judgment. Their "rejoicing" is not a sadistic pleasure in the suffering of others, but a profound satisfaction and relief that divine justice has finally been executed. It is the joy of seeing God's righteousness vindicated, the moral order restored, and the oppressive power of the wicked decisively broken. It signifies the triumph of good over evil, confirming God's faithfulness to His promises and His unwavering commitment to justice for His people.
* **"he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked":** This highly figurative and hyperbolic phrase depicts the absolute completeness of the victory over the wicked. It paints a picture of a battlefield so thoroughly dominated by the righteous that the blood of the vanquished is omnipresent. The act of "washing feet" symbolizes not only the utter defeat and destruction of the wicked but also the cleansing of the land from their defilement and the establishment of a new era of peace and security for the righteous. It is a powerful, symbolic declaration of the definitive end of the wicked's influence and the secure establishment of God's righteous rule.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 58:10 is rich in **Hyperbole**, particularly in the phrase "he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked." This exaggerated imagery is not meant to be taken literally but serves to emphasize the overwhelming and decisive nature of God's victory over evil. The verse also employs vivid **Imagery**, creating a visceral and impactful mental picture of judgment and triumph. This graphic depiction underscores the severity of the divine retribution and the completeness of the wicked's defeat. Furthermore, there is clear **Symbolism**: the "blood of the wicked" symbolizes their utter destruction and the consequences of their sin, while the act of "washing feet" symbolizes the cleansing of the land from injustice and the establishment of peace and purity for the righteous. These devices combine to make a powerful statement about God's ultimate justice and the assured vindication of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates a core biblical truth: God is a righteous judge who will ultimately bring justice to the earth. In a world often characterized by unchecked evil and the apparent prosperity of the wicked, Psalms 58:10 offers a profound assurance that God sees, hears, and will act. The "vengeance" described is God's just and holy response to persistent rebellion and injustice, not a call for human retaliation. The righteous find their joy not in personal revenge, but in the vindication of God's character and the restoration of His moral order. This eschatological hope reminds believers that all wrongs will eventually be made right, and God's kingdom will ultimately prevail, bringing an end to all suffering and oppression.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, and recompense")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God")
* [Revelation 19:2](/revelation/19-2 "Revelation 19:2 - For his judgments are true and just")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world still plagued by injustice, corruption, and the apparent triumph of evil, Psalms 58:10 offers a powerful anchor for the soul. It calls believers to trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to justice, even when circumstances seem to contradict it. The "rejoicing" of the righteous is not an unholy glee in the suffering of others, but a profound satisfaction in seeing God's righteous character vindicated and His moral order restored. It is a reminder that our ultimate hope for justice rests not in human systems or personal retribution, but in the sovereign hand of God. This perspective frees us from the burden of bitterness and the pursuit of personal vengeance, allowing us to patiently endure injustice while faithfully praying for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. It encourages us to align our hearts with God's justice, not our own flawed sense of retribution.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "vengeance" as divine justice, rather than human revenge, change your perspective on suffering and injustice in the world?**
* **In what ways can a believer "rejoice" in God's justice without succumbing to a spirit of malice or schadenfreude?**
* **What practical steps can you take to trust God's timing for justice when you witness or experience profound injustice?**
* **How does the imagery of complete victory in this verse offer comfort and hope in the face of ongoing spiritual battles?**

### FAQ
**Is the "rejoicing" of the righteous a sign of malice?**

Answer: No, the "rejoicing" of the righteous described in Psalms 58:10 is not a malicious pleasure in the suffering of the wicked, nor is it an endorsement of personal vengeance. Instead, it signifies a profound satisfaction and relief that divine justice has been executed. It is the joy of seeing God's righteousness vindicated, His moral order restored, and the oppressive power of evil decisively broken. For the righteous, who often suffer under the injustices of the wicked, this moment represents the triumph of truth, the end of their affliction, and the confirmation of God's sovereign control over all things. It is a righteous joy rooted in the establishment of God's kingdom, not in personal hatred.

**Should Christians literally seek to "wash their feet in the blood of the wicked"?**

Answer: Absolutely not. The phrase "he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked" is a vivid and powerful hyperbole, a literary device used to emphasize the absolute completeness and decisiveness of God's victory over the wicked. It is not meant to be taken literally as a command or an endorsement of physical violence or revenge by believers. In the New Testament, Christians are explicitly called to love their enemies, pray for those who persecute them, and leave vengeance to God alone, as taught in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves"). The imagery points to the thoroughness of God's judgment and the ultimate triumph of righteousness, not to human acts of brutality.

**How does this psalm fit with the New Testament emphasis on love and forgiveness?**

Answer: While the New Testament emphasizes love, forgiveness, and turning the other cheek ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), it does not negate the concept of divine justice. Psalms 58:10 highlights God's character as a righteous Judge who will ultimately bring all things into account. The New Testament also speaks of God's future judgment, where He will justly deal with all unrighteousness and bring an end to evil ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Therefore, this psalm complements the New Testament by reminding us that while we are called to forgive and extend grace, God Himself is the ultimate arbiter of justice, and His perfect judgment will one day eradicate all evil, leading to a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). It provides comfort that injustice will not have the final word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 58:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist longed for divine vengeance against earthly oppressors, Christ's coming inaugurated a new era where the decisive victory over the ultimate "wicked" – sin, death, and the devil – was achieved. The "vengeance" seen by the righteous is not merely the judgment of human tyrants, but the triumph of God's righteousness through the cross and resurrection. Jesus, the true Lamb of God, bore the full weight of God's wrath against sin, thereby disarming the spiritual forces of evil and making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The "washing of feet in the blood of the wicked" is profoundly reinterpreted through the cleansing power of Christ's own blood, which purifies believers from all sin and defilement, ushering them into a new realm of peace and righteousness ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Ultimately, the righteous will indeed rejoice when Christ returns as the Righteous Judge, to fully execute justice, eradicate all evil, and establish His eternal kingdom where there will be no more sorrow, crying, or pain ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return as Judge") and [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")). The psalmist's hope for vindication is fully realized in the eschatological triumph of Christ, who brings complete and everlasting victory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 68:23

That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of [thine] enemies, [and] the tongue of thy dogs in the same.

Psalms 91:8

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Psalms 64:10

The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.

Revelation 11:17

Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

Revelation 11:18

And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

Proverbs 11:10

¶ When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, [there is] shouting.

Deuteronomy 32:43

Rejoice, O ye nations, [with] his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, [and] to his people.