Psalms 58

¹ To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?

² Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth.

³ The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

⁴ Their poison [is] like the poison of a serpent: [they are] like the deaf adder [that] stoppeth her ear;

⁵ Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.

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

⁷ Let them melt away as waters [which] run continually: [when] he bendeth [his bow to shoot] his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces.

⁸ As a snail [which] melteth, let [every one of them] pass away: [like] the untimely birth of a woman, [that] they may not see the sun.

⁹ Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in [his] wrath.

¹⁰ The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

¹¹ So that a man shall say, Verily [there is] a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

Overview of Psalm 58

Psalm 58 is a part of the Book of Psalms in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It is categorized as an imprecatory psalm, which calls for divine judgment against the wicked. The psalmist expresses a strong condemnation of injustice and corruption among leaders and judges, emphasizing the need for divine intervention.

Structure of Psalm 58

This psalm can be divided into several distinct sections that highlight its themes and messages:

1. Addressing the Wicked (Verses 1-2)
   • The psalmist questions whether the rulers speak justly.
   • It emphasizes the prevalence of wickedness and injustice among those in power.
2. Description of the Wicked (Verses 3-5)
   • The psalmist describes the wicked as being estranged from birth.
   • They are likened to venomous snakes, emphasizing their danger and deceit.
3. Call for Divine Judgment (Verses 6-8)
   • The psalmist calls for God to break the teeth of the wicked.
   • The imagery of teeth signifies the power and harm that the wicked can inflict.
   • The request for their demise is a plea for justice against corruption.
4. The Outcome of Divine Justice (Verses 9-10)
   • The psalmist describes the swift and decisive nature of God’s judgment.
   • The imagery of a pot being heated emphasizes the intensity of divine retribution.
5. Conclusion and Assurance of Justice (Verse 11)
   • The psalm concludes with a declaration that the righteous will rejoice when they see justice served.
   • It reinforces the belief in divine justice and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Thematic Analysis

Psalm 58 addresses several key themes that resonate throughout the text:

• Corruption Among Leaders:

  The psalmist highlights the moral decay of those in positions of power, suggesting that they fail to uphold justice.

• Divine Justice:

  The call for God’s intervention serves as a reminder of the belief in a higher authority that will ultimately right wrongs.

• Imprecatory Prayer:

  The psalm exemplifies the use of imprecatory language, expressing a desire for punishment on the wicked, which reflects the deep frustration with injustice.

• Hope for the Righteous:

  The concluding verse provides hope and assurance that righteousness will prevail, encouraging the faithful to trust in God’s justice.

Literary Devices

Psalm 58 employs various literary devices that enhance its message:

• Metaphor:

  The comparison of wicked individuals to venomous snakes serves to illustrate their harmful nature.

• Imagery:

  Vivid imagery, such as breaking teeth and a heated pot, creates a strong visual representation of the psalmist’s plea for justice.

• Parallelism:

  The use of parallel structures in verses reinforces the psalm’s themes and enhances its poetic quality.

Theological Implications

Psalm 58 raises important theological questions regarding justice, the nature of God, and the human condition:

• The Nature of God:

  The psalm affirms God’s role as a just judge who will ultimately punish wickedness.

• The Problem of Evil:

  The existence of corrupt leaders challenges believers to grapple with the presence of evil in the world.

• Human Responsibility:

  The psalm calls for accountability among leaders, emphasizing the importance of moral integrity.

Conclusion

Psalm 58 serves as a powerful expression of the psalmist’s lament over injustice and a fervent plea for divine retribution against the wicked. Through its vivid imagery and strong themes, it encourages readers to reflect on the nature of justice, the role of leadership, and the assurance of God’s ultimate judgment. The psalm remains relevant as it speaks to the ongoing struggles against corruption and the hope for righteousness in the world.