◄ Psalm 58 ►
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God Judges the Earth For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktama of David. 1 Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? 2No, in your hearts you devise injustice; with your hands you mete out violence on the earth. 3The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth. 4Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears, 5refusing to hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell. 6O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths; O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions. 7May they vanish like water that runs off; when they draw the bow, may their arrows be blunted.b 8Like a slug that dissolves in its slime, like a woman’s stillborn child, may they never see the sun. 9Before your pots can feel the burning thorns— whether green or dry— He will sweep them away. 10The righteous will rejoice when they see they are avenged; they will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked. 11Then men will say, “There is surely a reward for the righteous! There is surely a God who judges the earth!” Footnotes: 1 a Miktam is probably a musical or liturgical term; used for Psalms 16 and 56–60. 7 b Or when they are trodden down, may they wither like grass Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 58 Summary God Judges the Earth Verses 1–2 – Indictment of Unjust Rulers David questions whether leaders truly judge fairly. Inwardly they design violence; outwardly they carry it out. Verses 3–5 – Portrait of Deep-Seated Evil From birth the wicked are estranged, pictured as venomous serpents that block the charmer’s song, stubbornly refusing any appeal. Verses 6–9 – Plea for Divine Judgment David asks God to break the teeth of these predators. He piles up images—water evaporating, arrows snapped, slugs melting, a stillborn child, a cooking pot swept away by sudden fire—to picture swift, total removal of evil. Verses 10–11 – Vindication of the Righteous When God acts, the upright rejoice to see justice. Their triumph proves that righteousness is rewarded and that God truly rules the earth. Psalm 58, a michtam of David, is a fervent appeal to God against the wicked who are believed to be in positions of power. This psalm boldly calls out the iniquity and deceitfulness of the wicked while simultaneously affirming God's retributive justice. It invites the reader to reflect on God's sovereign control over humanity's sinful nature and His ultimate responsibility for dispensing justice. Authorship and Setting The heading links the psalm to David, likely during a season of corrupt leadership in Israel or among surrounding nations. David, once hounded by Saul and later betrayed by officials, knew firsthand the pain of crooked judges. The vigorous language fits moments when the throne itself seemed hijacked by violence (1 Samuel 24–26; 2 Samuel 15–18). Musical Instruction: “Do Not Destroy” and “Miktam” “Do Not Destroy” appears in Psalm 57, 58, 59, 75. Ancient Jewish tradition treated it as a familiar melody or performance style, possibly signaling a plea that God not allow His people to be wiped out. “Miktam” may point to an inscription style or “golden song,” implying something precious and well-polished. Structure and Literary Devices • Parallelism: Almost every line couples two insights—inner motive and outward deed (v. 2). • Vivid metaphors: venom, broken teeth, melting slugs. • Rapid-fire images (vv. 7–9) echo prophetic oracles like Isaiah 59:5–8. • Inclusio of judgment: opening challenge to rulers, closing affirmation that God is the true Judge. Historical and Archaeological Insights • Ancient Near Eastern law codes (Hammurabi; Hittite treaties) stressed justice, yet bribery was rampant. David’s cry mirrors common frustrations noted in excavated tablets from Mari and Ugarit. • Archaeologists uncovering city gates at Lachish and Dan found benches where elders judged; corrupt verdicts would have poisoned entire communities, explaining David’s urgent tone. • Snake imagery resonated with cultures that revered or feared serpents; cobras appear on Egyptian crowns, adding punch to David’s allusion. Key Themes 1. God’s expectation of fair judgment (compare Psalm 82; Deuteronomy 16:18-20). 2. Total depravity of willful sinners (Genesis 6:5; Romans 3:10-18). 3. Prayer for God’s decisive action against evil (Revelation 6:10). 4. Assurance of divine recompense (Proverbs 11:18; Galatians 6:7-9). Prayer for Judgment—Why So Harsh? David’s language sounds severe, yet it springs from zeal for God’s honor and for innocent lives harmed by wicked rulers. The New Testament echoes the same longing for justice: “Our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29) and “Vengeance is Mine” (Romans 12:19). Believers today may leave vengeance to God, but we still cry, “Your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10), desiring evil’s removal. Connections to Other Scriptures • Psalm 57 and 59: parallel “Do Not Destroy” prayers where David is hunted. • Isaiah 26:21: God arises to punish earth for bloodshed. • Luke 18:1-8: the persistent widow seeks justice, and Jesus assures swift vindication. • Revelation 19:2: heavenly praise when God judges the great corrupt power. Practical Application • Speak truth to power: verse 1 encourages confronting corrupt systems, whether civic, corporate, or personal. • Guard the heart: because injustice begins “in your hearts” (v. 2), believers must cultivate integrity before God (Psalm 139:23-24). • Pray boldly: David doesn’t shy away from asking God to intervene decisively. • Celebrate God’s rule: verse 11 grounds hope in a world where judgment often feels delayed. Literary Echoes in the New Testament Paul’s description of humanity’s fall—“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness” (Romans 3:14)—draws on snake-venom imagery similar to Psalm 58:4. Revelation’s rejoicing over Babylon’s fall mirrors the righteous gladness of Psalm 58:10. Modern Relevance Oppressed communities, whistleblowers, and anyone suffering under unjust leadership find a voice in this psalm. It validates outrage, channels it toward God, and assures ultimate justice. While Christians are called to love enemies (Matthew 5:44), loving does not mean denying the urgency of stopping evil. Psalm 58 gives language for both lament and trust. Summary Statement Psalm 58 pulls back the curtain on unseen courtroom corruption, asks God to break the power of evil, and ends with confident celebration that justice will stand because God Himself judges the earth. Connections to Additional Scriptures Proverbs 21:15 Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity. This verse echoes the theme of rejoicing in justice found in Psalm 58. Romans 12:19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.' This New Testament passage reinforces the call to trust in God's justice. Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? This verse encourages believers to live justly, aligning with the themes of Psalm 58. Teaching Points The Cry Against Injustice Psalm 58 begins with a bold accusation against unjust rulers. Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? (Psalm 58:1). David questions the integrity of those in power, highlighting the prevalence of corruption. The Nature of the Wicked Verses 3-5 describe the inherent wickedness of those who turn away from God. The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth (Psalm 58:3). This emphasizes the deep-rooted nature of sin and the need for divine intervention. A Call for Divine Justice David's plea for God to act is vivid and intense. O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths; O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions (Psalm 58:6). This imagery underscores the psalmist's desire for God to dismantle the power of the wicked. The Righteous Will Rejoice The psalm concludes with a vision of justice fulfilled. The righteous will rejoice when they see they are avenged; they will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked (Psalm 58:10). This reflects the ultimate triumph of righteousness over evil. Practical Applications Trust in God's Justice In a world where injustice often seems rampant, we are reminded to trust in God's perfect timing and justice. Pray for Righteous Leaders As believers, we should pray for leaders who uphold justice and righteousness, seeking God's guidance in their decisions. Stand Against Injustice We are called to be advocates for justice in our communities, reflecting God's heart for righteousness. Find Comfort in God's Sovereignty Even when evil seems to prevail, we can find comfort in knowing that God is sovereign and will ultimately judge all wrongdoing. People 1. The Wicked (Verse 3) The psalm describes the wicked as those who go astray from birth, speaking lies. In the Hebrew text, the term used is "רְשָׁעִים" (resha'im), which refers to those who are morally wrong or guilty. 2. The Righteous (Verse 10) The righteous are those who will rejoice when they see vengeance. The Hebrew word "צַדִּיק" (tzaddik) is used, meaning just or righteous individuals who live according to God's laws. 3. God (Implied throughout, specifically Verse 11) While not directly named in every verse, God is the ultimate judge who will bring justice. The Hebrew name for God, "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), is implied as the one who judges the earth and rewards the righteous. Places Psalm 58 in the Berean Standard Bible does not explicitly mention specific geographical places. Instead, it is a psalm that addresses themes of justice and the wickedness of rulers. Since there are no specific places mentioned in this psalm, a numbered list of places cannot be provided. The psalm uses metaphorical language and imagery to convey its message rather than referring to physical locations. If you have any other questions or need further analysis, feel free to ask! Events 1. Accusation of Unjust Rulers The psalm begins with a direct accusation against rulers or judges who are not just. The psalmist questions their integrity and righteousness, implying that they are failing in their duties. The Hebrew word "אֵלִם" (elim) is often translated as "gods" or "mighty ones," referring to those in positions of authority. (Psalm 58:1) 2. Corruption from Birth The psalmist describes the wicked as being corrupt from birth, indicating an inherent nature of deceit and wrongdoing. This emphasizes the depth of their moral failure. (Psalm 58:3) 3. Comparison to a Venomous Serpent The wicked are compared to a venomous serpent that refuses to listen to the charmer, symbolizing their stubbornness and danger. The imagery of a snake highlights their harmful and deceptive nature. (Psalm 58:4-5) 4. Prayer for Divine Intervention The psalmist calls upon God to break the teeth of the wicked, a metaphor for rendering them powerless and ineffective. This is a plea for divine justice and intervention. (Psalm 58:6) 5. Imagery of Vanishing Wickedness The psalmist uses vivid imagery to describe the eventual disappearance of the wicked, comparing them to water that flows away and a snail that melts away. This illustrates the transient nature of their power and existence. (Psalm 58:7-8) 6. Rejoicing of the Righteous The psalm concludes with the righteous rejoicing at the sight of divine justice being executed. The psalmist affirms that there is indeed a reward for the righteous and that God judges the earth. This serves as a reassurance of God's ultimate justice. (Psalm 58:10-11) Lessons from Psalm 58 1. The Reality of Injustice Psalm 58 opens with a stark acknowledgment of the presence of injustice in the world. It reminds us that not all judges and rulers are righteous, and that corruption can pervade even the highest levels of authority. "Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men?" (Psalm 58:1). This verse encourages us to be vigilant and discerning, recognizing that true justice comes from God alone. 2. The Nature of the Wicked The psalm paints a vivid picture of the wicked, describing them as estranged from birth and speaking lies from the womb. "The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth" (Psalm 58:3). This serves as a reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the need for redemption through Christ. It calls us to be aware of the deceitfulness of sin and the importance of seeking truth. 3. The Power of Prayer In the face of injustice, Psalm 58 encourages us to turn to prayer. The psalmist calls upon God to break the teeth of the wicked, illustrating the power of prayer to bring about divine intervention. "O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths; O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions" (Psalm 58:6). This teaches us that prayer is a powerful tool in the fight against evil and injustice. 4. The Certainty of Divine Justice The psalm assures us that God will ultimately judge the wicked. "Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges the earth" (Psalm 58:11). This promise of divine justice provides hope and reassurance that evil will not prevail forever. It encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and His righteous judgment. 5. The Transience of Evil Psalm 58 uses vivid imagery to describe the fleeting nature of the wicked's power. "Let them vanish like water that runs off; when they draw the bow, let their arrows be blunted" (Psalm 58:7). This reminds us that evil, no matter how powerful it seems, is temporary and will ultimately be defeated by God's eternal truth. 6. The Call to Righteousness The psalm challenges us to live righteously in a world filled with injustice. By contrasting the wicked with the righteous, it calls us to pursue a life that reflects God's holiness. "The righteous will rejoice when they see vengeance; they will bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked" (Psalm 58:10). This vivid imagery underscores the joy and satisfaction that comes from living in alignment with God's will. 7. The Importance of Faith In the face of injustice, Psalm 58 encourages us to maintain our faith in God's ultimate plan. The psalmist's confidence in divine justice serves as a model for us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem bleak. This faith is a cornerstone of our relationship with God and a source of strength in difficult times. 8. The Role of God's Word The psalm highlights the importance of God's Word as a guide for righteous living. By meditating on Scripture, we can discern truth from falsehood and align our lives with God's will. This is a reminder that the Bible is not just a historical document, but a living guide that equips us to navigate the complexities of life. 9. The Joy of Righteousness Psalm 58 concludes with a vision of the joy that comes from living righteously. The righteous will rejoice when they see God's justice prevail. This joy is not just a future promise, but a present reality for those who walk in God's ways. It encourages us to find joy in our relationship with God and the righteousness that comes from following Him. 10. The Assurance of God's Sovereignty Finally, Psalm 58 reassures us of God's sovereignty over all creation. Despite the presence of evil, God is in control and will bring about His perfect justice. This assurance allows us to live with confidence and hope, knowing that our lives are in the hands of a loving and just God. Topics 1. Condemnation of Unjust Rulers The psalm begins with a rebuke of unjust rulers who fail to judge rightly. The psalmist questions their integrity and righteousness: "Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men?" (Psalm 58:1). The Hebrew word for "rulers" here is "אֵלִם" (elim), which can also mean "gods" or "mighty ones," indicating those in positions of authority. 2. Inherent Wickedness of the Wicked The psalmist describes the wicked as being corrupt from birth, highlighting their inherent nature: "No, in your hearts you devise injustice; with your hands you mete out violence on the earth." (Psalm 58:2). The Hebrew term "רֶשַׁע" (resha) for "wickedness" emphasizes moral wrongness and guilt. 3. Metaphors of Deceit and Malice The wicked are compared to venomous snakes, illustrating their deceit and malice: "The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth. Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears." (Psalm 58:3-4). The imagery of a "cobra" (פֶּתֶן, peten) suggests a deadly and cunning nature. 4. Prayer for Divine Justice The psalmist calls upon God to break the power of the wicked, using vivid imagery to express the desire for divine intervention: "O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths; O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions." (Psalm 58:6). The plea for God to "shatter their teeth" (שָׁבַר, shabar) symbolizes the removal of their power and ability to harm. 5. Inevitability of Divine Retribution The psalmist expresses confidence in the eventual downfall of the wicked, using metaphors of fleeting and transient phenomena: "Let them vanish like water that runs off; when they draw the bow, let their arrows be blunted." (Psalm 58:7). The imagery of water and blunted arrows underscores the futility and impermanence of their schemes. 6. Rejoicing in God's Justice The psalm concludes with a declaration of joy and vindication for the righteous when they witness God's justice: "The righteous will rejoice when they see they are avenged; they will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked." (Psalm 58:10). This vivid imagery reflects the ultimate triumph of justice and the satisfaction of seeing God's righteous judgment enacted. 7. Affirmation of Divine Judgment The final verse affirms the reality of divine judgment and the existence of a moral order governed by God: "Then men will say, 'There is surely a reward for the righteous; there is surely a God who judges the earth.'" (Psalm 58:11). The Hebrew word "שָׁפַט" (shaphat) for "judges" emphasizes God's role as the ultimate arbiter of justice. Themes 1. Divine Justice Psalm 58 emphasizes the theme of divine justice, highlighting God's role as the ultimate judge who will address the wickedness of the unrighteous. The psalmist calls upon God to "break the teeth in their mouths" (Psalm 58:6), illustrating a plea for God to dismantle the power of the wicked. The Hebrew root for "judge" (שָׁפַט, shaphat) underscores God's authority to execute justice. 2. Corruption of Human Judges The psalm critiques the corruption and injustice of human judges, questioning their integrity: "Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men?" (Psalm 58:1). The Hebrew term for "rulers" (אֵלִם, elim) can also mean "gods" or "mighty ones," suggesting a critique of those in positions of power who fail to uphold righteousness. 3. The Nature of the Wicked The psalm describes the inherent nature of the wicked, stating, "The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth" (Psalm 58:3). This theme highlights the deep-seated sinfulness and deceitfulness of the wicked, emphasizing their natural inclination towards evil. 4. Imprecatory Prayer Psalm 58 contains elements of imprecatory prayer, where the psalmist calls for God's judgment upon the wicked: "O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths" (Psalm 58:6). This reflects a plea for divine intervention against those who perpetrate injustice and harm. 5. Vindication of the Righteous The psalm concludes with the assurance that the righteous will be vindicated: "Surely the righteous will be rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth" (Psalm 58:11). This theme underscores the belief in God's ultimate justice and the hope that righteousness will prevail. 6. The Transience of the Wicked The psalmist uses vivid imagery to describe the fleeting nature of the wicked: "Let them vanish like water that runs off" (Psalm 58:7). This theme emphasizes the temporary and ultimately futile existence of those who oppose God's justice. Prayer Points Pray for Justice Ask God to bring justice to situations of corruption and wrongdoing in the world. Pray for Leaders Lift up leaders in prayer, asking God to guide them in righteousness and integrity. Pray for the Oppressed Intercede for those who suffer under unjust systems, that they may find relief and justice. Pray for Personal Integrity Seek God's help in living a life that reflects His justice and righteousness in all areas. As we study Psalm 58, may we be encouraged to trust in God's ultimate justice and be inspired to live lives that reflect His righteousness. Answering Tough Questions 1. Why does David, in Psalm 58, invoke violent divine judgment (verse 6) when other passages emphasize mercy? 2. How can the imagery of snakes and venom (verses 4–5) be reconciled with modern scientific understanding of reptile behavior? 3. Which historical context supports the harsh curses in Psalm 58 when other biblical texts advocate forgiveness? 4. If the psalm pronounces that the righteous will be vindicated (verse 11), why do many faithful people still suffer injustice without apparent divine intervention? 5. Is there archaeological or textual evidence suggesting that Psalm 58’s imprecatory themes were later additions or alterations to the original text? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Psalm 58 speak to the issue of social injustice in today's society? 2. What does the metaphor of 'venomous snakes' imply about the nature of the wicked? 3. How can we reconcile the notion of God's love with the vivid and violent imagery used in David's plea for divine justice? 4. How does Psalm 58 help you understand the concept of God's sovereignty in the face of evil? 5. How can you relate to David's plea for God to intervene in a situation of injustice? 6. Can you recall a time when you witnessed or experienced injustice? How does Psalm 58 offer perspective on that situation? 7. How does this Psalm challenge your understanding of God's justice versus human justice? 8. What does David’s portrayal of the inherent wickedness of man suggest about our need for God's grace? 9. How should the themes of this Psalm influence our prayers for situations of widespread injustice? 10. Why is it significant that David affirms God's retributive justice at the end of the Psalm? 11. How can we use the lessons from Psalm 58 to combat wickedness in our society today? 12. What strategies can you take from this Psalm to deal with feelings of anger or frustration when injustice prevails? 13. How does Psalm 58 speak to the balance between divine intervention and human responsibility? 14. In the face of injustice, how can you maintain your faith in God's sovereignty and justice? 15. Reflect on a time you felt vindicated after being wronged. How does this reflect the themes in Psalm 58? 16. How does the affirmation of reward for the righteous in Psalm 58 encourage perseverance in the face of wickedness? 17. If God is the ultimate judge, how should we respond when we witness or experience injustice? 18. How can we find solace in the themes of Psalm 58 in our present-day living? 19. How does this Psalm inform your view on the role of believers in advocating for social justice? 20. What personal changes can you make in light of Psalm 58's teachings on wickedness, justice, and God's sovereignty? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions