Psalms Chapter 58 (WEB)

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Psalms 58 is part of “Book II: The Exodus Book” (42–72) in the outline of Psalms.

Psalms 58 summary

It is the probable conjecture of some (Amyraldus particularly) that before Saul began to persecute David by force of arms, and raised the militia to seize him, he formed a process against him by course of law, upon which he was condemned unheard, and attainted as a traitor, by the great council, or supreme court of judicature, and then proclaimed "qui caput gerit lupinum - an outlawed wolf," whom any man might kill and no man might protect. The elders, in order to curry favour with Saul, having passed this bill of attainder, it is supposed that David penned this psalm on the occasion. I. He describes their sin, and aggravates that (Psa 58:1-5). II. He imprecates and foretels their ruin, and the judgments which the righteous God would bring upon them for their injustice (Psa 58:6-9) which would redound, 1. To the comfort of the saints (Psa 58:10). 2. To the glory of God (Psa 58:11). Sin appears here both exceedingly sinful and exceedingly dangerous, and God a just avenger of wrong, with which we should be affected in singing this psalm. To the chief musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David.

Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).

1. 1 For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A poem by David. Do you indeed speak righteousness, silent ones? Do you judge blamelessly, you sons of men?
2. 2 No, in your heart you plot injustice. You measure out the violence of your hands in the earth.
3. 3 The wicked go astray from the womb. They are wayward as soon as they are born, speaking lies.
4. 4 Their poison is like the poison of a snake, like a deaf cobra that stops its ear,
5. 5 which doesn’t listen to the voice of charmers, no matter how skillful the charmer may be.
6. 6 Break their teeth, God, in their mouth. Break out the great teeth of the young lions, LORD.
7. 7 Let them vanish like water that flows away. When they draw the bow, let their arrows be made blunt.
8. 8 Let them be like a snail which melts and passes away, like the stillborn child, who has not seen the sun.
9. 9 Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns, he will sweep away the green and the burning alike.
10. 10 The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance. He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked,
11. 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.”