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Psalms 58

11 verses

TL;DR

Psalm 58 is a lament calling for God to judge and punish the corrupt judges who uphold injustice.

Summary

The psalm begins with a reproach to the gathered assembly, accusing them of speaking righteousness while acting wickedly. It depicts the wicked as born with malice, likening them to poisonous serpents and deaf adder. The psalmist begs God to destroy their defenses—break their teeth, cut them like arrows, and dissolve them like water. He calls for divine vengeance, expressing confidence that the righteous will rejoice as God delivers justice. The psalm concludes with the affirmation that God indeed rewards the righteous and judges the earth.

Outline
  1. Accusation of hypocritical righteousness among the congregation
  2. Vivid metaphorical description of the wicked’s nature and deeds
  3. Petition for God’s judgment and the assurance of righteousness’ vindication
Themes
Justice and judgment against corruptionContrast between righteousness and wickednessHope in divine vindication
Keywords
righteousnesswickednessjudgmentpoisonserpentdeaf adderbowarrowswaterbloodjusticevindication
People
Godcongregationsons of menthe righteousthe wicked
Places
Things
poison of a serpentdeaf adderbowarrowswatersnailpotsthornsblood
Key Verses
  • Psalms 58:1: Sets the tone of reproach against the assembly’s false righteousness.
  • Psalms 58:3: Introduces the wicked’s inherent malice using vivid imagery.
  • Psalms 58:6: The psalmist’s plea for God to break the wicked’s teeth reflects the desire for decisive judgment.
  • Psalms 58:7: Illustrates the wanted destruction of the wicked as water that melts and arrows that cut.
  • Psalms 58:11: Affirms the theme that God rewards the righteous and judges the earth.
Questions
  • Why does the psalmist use animal metaphors to describe the wicked, and what does that reveal about ancient Israelite perceptions of sin?
  • In what ways does Psalm 58 reflect the socio-political concerns of its original audience?
  • How does the psalm balance calls for divine judgment with the assurance of reward for the righteous?
  • What modern contexts can the themes of justice and hypocrisy in Psalm 58 be applied to?
  • How does Psalm 58 relate to other biblical texts that call for judgment against corrupt officials?
Sentiment

mixed
The psalm expresses strong anger toward the wicked but also hopeful confidence in divine justice for the righteous.