Psalms 58:7

Psalms 58:7 is a powerful verse from an imprecatory psalm, a type of prayer where the psalmist calls upon God to execute judgment on the wicked. This particular verse expresses a fervent desire for the swift and complete dissolution of those who act unjustly.

Context

Psalm 58 is addressed "To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David." It is a lament against corrupt and unjust judges or authorities who "speak wickedness" and "weigh the violence of your hands in the earth" (Psalm 58:2). The psalmist, likely David, expresses deep anguish over the pervasive evil and injustice he observes. He appeals to God, the ultimate righteous Judge, to intervene and bring an end to their malevolent influence. The imagery throughout the psalm is vivid, describing the wicked as venomous serpents (Psalm 58:4) and calling for their destruction in various dramatic ways, of which verse 7 is a part.

Key Themes

• Divine Justice and Retribution: The core theme is the psalmist's fervent plea for God's righteous judgment against those who pervert justice. It reflects a profound belief that God will not let wickedness go unpunished indefinitely. This longing for divine intervention is a recurring motif in the Psalms, emphasizing God's role as the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong.
• The Dissipation of Evil: The phrase "Let them melt away as waters which run continually" vividly portrays the desire for the wicked to vanish completely, losing all strength and influence, much like water that flows away and is absorbed or dispersed. It signifies a total and irreversible disappearance of their power and presence.
• Frustration of Wicked Schemes: The latter part, "when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces," speaks to the futility of the wicked's malicious intentions. It's a prayer that their efforts, their "arrows" (representing their plans, attacks, or instruments of harm), would be rendered useless and broken before they can achieve their destructive aim. This highlights the psalmist's trust in God's ability to thwart the designs of the unrighteous.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "melt away" (māmas) implies a dissolving or wasting away. The imagery of "waters which run continually" (mayim mithallĕkîm) conveys a sense of constant flow and dissipation, indicating that their power should be utterly lost and irrecoverable. The phrase "cut in pieces" (yitmotetu) in relation to arrows can mean to be shattered, broken, or to fall apart, suggesting that the very instruments of the wicked's harm would fail them.

Practical Application

While the direct imprecations of this psalm can be challenging for a modern audience, particularly in light of New Testament teachings on loving enemies (Matthew 5:44), Psalms 58:7 still offers significant insights:

• Trust in God's Ultimate Justice: It reminds believers that there is a God who sees injustice and will ultimately bring all things to account. When faced with overwhelming evil or corruption, this verse encourages us to place our hope not in human systems but in God's perfect justice. Romans 12:19 teaches us to leave vengeance to God, aligning with the spirit of allowing God to be the one who "brings them to nothing."
• Prayer Against Evil: The psalm legitimizes fervent prayer against the forces of evil and injustice in the world. While we pray for the salvation of individuals, we can also pray for the dismantling of wicked systems and the frustration of evil intentions, seeking God's intervention to protect the innocent and uphold righteousness.
• The Fleeting Nature of Wickedness: The imagery of melting water and broken arrows serves as a powerful reminder that the power and influence of the wicked are ultimately transient. Though they may seem formidable for a time, their schemes and their very existence will eventually "melt away" before the sovereignty of God, as seen in Psalm 37:2.