Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? Do you indeed speak justlyThe phrase "speak justly" in Hebrew is rooted in the word "tseḏeq," which means righteousness or justice. This word is often used in the context of God's character and His expectations for human conduct. The psalmist is challenging the rulers to reflect on their actions and words, questioning whether they align with divine justice. In a historical context, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern expectation that leaders should embody and enforce justice, a principle deeply embedded in the Mosaic Law. The rhetorical question implies a negative answer, suggesting that the rulers are failing in their duty to uphold justice. O rulers
The term "rulers" is translated from the Hebrew word "ēlîm," which can also mean "gods" or "mighty ones." This dual meaning underscores the significant responsibility and authority that leaders hold, almost god-like in their power over people's lives. In the ancient world, rulers were often seen as divinely appointed, and thus their actions were expected to reflect divine will. The psalmist's address to the "rulers" serves as a reminder of their accountability to God, who is the ultimate judge. Do you judge uprightly
The word "judge" comes from the Hebrew "shāphaṭ," which means to govern or to pass judgment. The concept of judging "uprightly" is tied to fairness and integrity, essential qualities for any leader. The psalmist is questioning whether the judgments made by these leaders are in line with God's standards of righteousness. Historically, the role of a judge in Israel was not only to resolve disputes but also to maintain social order according to God's laws. This phrase challenges leaders to examine whether their decisions are impartial and just. O sons of men
The phrase "sons of men" is a Hebrew idiom "benê ʾādām," referring to humanity in general. It emphasizes the human nature of the rulers, reminding them of their mortality and fallibility. This serves as a humbling reminder that, despite their power, they are still accountable to God. In the broader biblical narrative, this phrase often contrasts human frailty with divine sovereignty, urging leaders to recognize their dependence on God's wisdom and justice. Persons / Places / Events 1. RulersThe term "rulers" refers to those in positions of authority and leadership. In the context of ancient Israel, this could include kings, judges, and other officials responsible for maintaining justice and order. 2. Sons of MenThis phrase is a poetic way of referring to humanity in general, emphasizing the human condition and the responsibility of all people, especially those in authority, to act justly. 3. DavidTraditionally attributed to King David, this psalm reflects his experiences and observations regarding justice and leadership. 4. IsraelThe nation of Israel, where the context of leadership and justice is particularly relevant, as the people were governed by laws given by God. 5. InjusticeThe event or condition being addressed in this psalm is the presence of injustice and corruption among leaders, which is a recurring theme in the Psalms. Teaching Points The Responsibility of LeadershipLeaders are called to speak and judge justly, reflecting God's character in their decisions and actions. The Call for Righteous JudgmentJustice is a divine mandate, and those in authority must align their judgments with God's standards, not personal gain or bias. The Role of AccountabilityBelievers are encouraged to hold leaders accountable to God's standards of justice and righteousness, advocating for truth and integrity. The Impact of InjusticeInjustice affects the entire community, leading to suffering and unrest. Christians are called to be agents of change, promoting justice in their spheres of influence. Prayer for LeadersPray for those in authority, that they may lead with wisdom and justice, seeking God's guidance in their decisions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Psalm 58:1 challenge our understanding of justice in leadership today? 2. In what ways can we hold our leaders accountable to the standards of justice outlined in Scripture? 3. How can we, as individuals, promote justice and righteousness in our communities? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to support and pray for our leaders, both in the church and in society? 5. How do the themes of justice and leadership in Psalm 58:1 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 82This psalm also addresses the issue of unjust rulers and calls for them to defend the weak and the fatherless, highlighting God's concern for justice. Proverbs 29:2This verse speaks to the impact of righteous and wicked rulers on the people, emphasizing the importance of just leadership. Isaiah 1:23This passage condemns corrupt leaders who fail to defend the cause of the widow and the orphan, similar to the concerns raised in Psalm 58. People David, Psalmist, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics Al-taschith, Al-tashheth, Blamelessly, Chief, Choirmaster, Congregation, David, Decree, Destroy, Dumb, Equity, Gods, Gt, Indeed, Judge, Judges, Justly, Leader, Lt, Michtam, Miktam, Mouths, Music, Musician, Music-maker, O, Ones, Overseer, Poem, Psalm, Righteously, Righteousness, Rulers, Secret, Silence, Silent, Sons, Speak, Treasure, Tune, Upright, UprightlyDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 58:1 5509 rulers Psalm 58: 5420 music Psalm 58:1-2 5346 injury
5349 injustice, examples
5568 suffering, causes Library Of Internal Acts
Of Internal Acts Acts are distinguished into External and Internal. External acts are those which bear relation to some sensible object, and are either morally good or evil, merely according to the nature of the principle from which they proceed. I intend here to speak only of Internal acts, those energies of the soul, by which it turns internally to some objects, and averts from others. If during my application to God I should form a will to change the nature of my act, I thereby withdraw myself …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of PrayerEpistle vi. To Januarius, Bishop of Caralis (Cagliari).
To Januarius, Bishop of Caralis (Cagliari). Gregory to Januarius, &c. The Jews who have come hither from your city have complained to us that Peter, who has been brought by the will of God from their superstition to the worship of Christian faith, having taken with him certain disorderly persons, on the day after his baptism, that is on the Lord's day of the very Paschal festival, with grave scandal and without your consent, had taken possession of their synagogue in Caralis, and placed there the …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Faith the Sole Saving Act.
JOHN vi. 28, 29.--"Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." In asking their question, the Jews intended to inquire of Christ what particular things they must do, before all others, in order to please God. The "works of God," as they denominate them, were not any and every duty, but those more special and important acts, by which the creature might secure …
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man Augustin's Part in the Controversy.
Both by nature and by grace, Augustin was formed to be the champion of truth in this controversy. Of a naturally philosophical temperament, he saw into the springs of life with a vividness of mental perception to which most men are strangers; and his own experiences in his long life of resistance to, and then of yielding to, the drawings of God's grace, gave him a clear apprehension of the great evangelic principle that God seeks men, not men God, such as no sophistry could cloud. However much his …
St. Augustine—Anti-Pelagian Writings Moral Depravity.
VIII. Let us consider the proper method of accounting for the universal and total moral depravity of the unregenerate moral agents of our race. In the discussion of this subject, I will-- 1. Endeavor to show how it is not to be accounted for. In examining this part of the subject, it is necessary to have distinctly in view that which constitutes moral depravity. All the error that has existed upon this subject, has been founded in false assumptions in regard to the nature or essence of moral depravity. …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology An Address to the Regenerate, Founded on the Preceding Discourses.
James I. 18. James I. 18. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. I INTEND the words which I have now been reading, only as an introduction to that address to the sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty, with which I am now to conclude these lectures; and therefore shall not enter into any critical discussion, either of them, or of the context. I hope God has made the series of these discourses, in some measure, useful to those …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration The Necessity of Actual Grace
In treating of the necessity of actual grace we must avoid two extremes. The first is that mere nature is absolutely incapable of doing any thing good. This error was held by the early Protestants and the followers of Baius and Jansenius. The second is that nature is able to perform supernatural acts by its own power. This was taught by the Pelagians and Semipelagians. Between these two extremes Catholic theology keeps the golden mean. It defends the capacity of human nature against Protestants and …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual The Mystery
Of the Woman dwelling in the Wilderness. The woman delivered of a child, when the dragon was overcome, from thenceforth dwelt in the wilderness, by which is figured the state of the Church, liberated from Pagan tyranny, to the time of the seventh trumpet, and the second Advent of Christ, by the type, not of a latent, invisible, but, as it were, an intermediate condition, like that of the lsraelitish Church journeying in the wilderness, from its departure from Egypt, to its entrance into the land …
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Wrath of God
What does every sin deserve? God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and in that which is to come. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire.' Matt 25: 41. Man having sinned, is like a favourite turned out of the king's favour, and deserves the wrath and curse of God. He deserves God's curse. Gal 3: 10. As when Christ cursed the fig-tree, it withered; so, when God curses any, he withers in his soul. Matt 21: 19. God's curse blasts wherever it comes. He deserves also God's wrath, which is …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 58:1 NIVPsalm 58:1 NLTPsalm 58:1 ESVPsalm 58:1 NASBPsalm 58:1 KJV
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