The Bible: Psalms Chapter 58: with Audio and Commentary.

Version: World English Bible.

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Psalms Chapter 58 For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A poem by David.

1 Do you indeed speak righteousness, silent ones? Do you judge blamelessly, you sons of men?

2 No, in your heart you plot injustice. You measure out the violence of your hands in the earth.

3 The wicked go astray from the womb. They are wayward as soon as they are born, speaking lies.

4 Their poison is like the poison of a snake, like a deaf cobra that stops its ear,

5 which doesn't listen to the voice of charmers, no matter how skilful the charmer may be.

6 Break their teeth, God, in their mouth. Break out the great teeth of the young lions, LORD.

7 Let them vanish like water that flows away. When they draw the bow, let their arrows be made blunt.

8 Let them be like a snail which melts and passes away, like the stillborn child, who has not seen the sun.

9 Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns, he will sweep away the green and the burning alike.

10 The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance. He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked,

11 so that men shall say, "Most certainly there is a reward for the righteous. Most certainly there is a God who judges the earth."

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Version: World English Bible

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Psalms Chapter 58 For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A poem by David. Guide

This is a fine setting forth of the certainty of the judgment of God against wickedness. The psalmist declares its reason (verses Psalms 58:1-5), its process (verses Psalms 58:6-9), and its effect (verses to, Psalms 58:11).

The whole psalm will be misunderstood save as we carefully note its opening questions. The reason of the judgment is not personal wrong. It is rather the failure of the rulers to administer justice. They are silent when they should speak. Their judgments are not upright. Evil in heart, they lie in word, and poison like serpents, and no charming wins them.

The process of judgment is described in the form of prayer, which shows the sympathy of the singer with the God who is forever against the oppressor. The terms are fierce and terrible, but not more so than are the wrath and stroke of God against such evil men. The effect of the divine judgment is to be the rejoicing of the righteous, the destruction of the wicked, and His vindication among men. It is a sickly sentimentality and a wicked weakness that have more sympathy with the corrupt oppressors than with the anger of God.

From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.

Psalms Chapter 58 Commentary

Chapter Outline

  1. Wicked judges described and reproved. -- (1-5)
  2. A prayer that they may be disabled, and their ruin predicted. -- (6-11)

Verses 1-5

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.

Verses 6-11

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.

From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.