Psalms 58:5

Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.

Which will not hearken {H8085}{H8799)} to the voice {H6963} of charmers {H3907}{H8764)}, charming {H2266}{H8802)}{H2267} never so wisely {H2449}{H8794)}.

so as not to hear the voice of the charmer, no matter how well he plays.

refusing to hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell.

Which hearkeneth not to the voice of charmers, Charming never so wisely.

Commentary

Psalms 58:5 describes the profound and deliberate resistance of the wicked to any form of truth, reason, or persuasion. It continues the imagery from the previous verse, likening these individuals to a "deaf adder" that intentionally closes its ears to the voice of a charmer, no matter how skillful or wise the charming may be. This verse highlights a deep-seated unwillingness to listen or be influenced by righteousness.

Context

Psalm 58 is a powerful lament and imprecatory psalm attributed to David, where he appeals to God for justice against wicked rulers or judges. The psalmist describes their inherent corruption from birth and their determined opposition to truth and divine law. Following the vivid metaphor of the "deaf adder" in Psalms 58:4, verse 5 emphasizes that this refusal to listen is a conscious act, not an inability. It underscores the profound spiritual deafness of those who pervert justice and oppress the innocent.

Key Themes

  • Incorrigible Wickedness: The verse vividly portrays a deep-seated and unyielding resistance to truth, justice, and righteousness. The wicked are depicted as so set in their ways that no amount of persuasion can sway them.
  • Deliberate Spiritual Deafness: Like the mythical adder that stops its ears, these individuals actively choose to ignore wise counsel, warnings, or even the voice of conscience. This is not a passive inability but an active refusal to hear, echoing themes of the deceitfulness of the human heart.
  • Futility of Human Persuasion: Even the most skilled or wise "charmers" (representing those who offer good counsel, appeals to reason, or divine warnings) are rendered ineffective against such hardened hearts. This highlights the limitations of human effort in changing those determined not to change.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "charmers" is l'chashim (ืœึฐื—ึธืฉึดืื™ื), which refers to whispering, incantations, or enchantments, often associated with snake charming. It suggests a subtle, persuasive influence or even a magical spell. The phrase "charming never so wisely" (ื—ึธื›ึธื ื—ึนื‘ึตืจ) emphasizes that even with the greatest skill or wisdom, the efforts to persuade are futile against hearts determined to remain closed.

Practical Application

This verse offers a sobering reminder of the reality of hardened hearts. It helps explain why some individuals remain entirely unresponsive to spiritual truth, good counsel, or even the clear presentation of the Gospel, no matter how lovingly or wisely it is communicated. While we are called to share truth, this verse acknowledges that ultimately, only God can soften a heart that is determined to be deaf. It also serves as a warning for us to guard our own hearts against becoming unresponsive to God's voice, His Word, or the wisdom He offers through others. We should always strive to have ears that are open to hear and obey, as encouraged in passages like Luke 11:28.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 8:17

    For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which [will] not [be] charmed, and they shall bite you, saith the LORD.

  • Isaiah 19:3

    And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards.

  • Deuteronomy 18:11

    Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
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