Psalm 58 Study Notes

Ps 58 title On Do Not Destroy, see note at Ps 22 title. On Miktam, see note at Ps 16 title.

58:1 The Hebrew word for mighty ones is ’elim. Sometimes it refers to angelic beings or the gods of the nations (see note at 29:1), but here it refers to people (note esp. the reference to birth in 58:3). The combination of righteously (referring to justice) and judge shows that they were most likely rulers or judges who were responsible for rendering justice. The designation “mighty ones” is sarcastic since this is how they viewed themselves.

58:2 Injustice in your hearts contrasts with the fact that they were responsible for judging fairly (v. 1). The “heart” was often used to depict the place of one’s motives (see notes at 17:3-5 and 44:21) as well as the human will where decisions were made (1Sm 7:3; 1Kg 8:47-48).

58:3 This verse has been used to argue for the doctrine of original sin, but the subject is restrictive, having in view the wicked and liars rather than humanity in general. We know from elsewhere (e.g., Rm 3:23) that it is not just the wicked and liars who go astray and wander about. Speaking of the wicked and liars specifically, the psalmist traces their errant ways to the womb and birth not in a bid to argue that they are constituted differently from the general population, but rather to express the deep-rootedness of their sinfulness. See note at 51:5.

58:4-5 The comparison of these wicked rulers to a snake emphasizes their deadliness (their venom). The other main point of comparison is stopping up their ears and not listening to charmers. In the context of judging, it probably refers to not listening to someone’s case and therefore not rendering justice fairly.

58:6 The imagery of lions is common for enemies (see note at 7:1-2). Since the power of predatory animals was in their teeth, the psalmist requested that they be knocked out.

58:7 The vanishing water here may be a reference to a wadi, a seasonal stream that flowed only during the rainy season. The rest of the time it was nothing more than a dry river bed (or valley).

58:8 The image of the slug and its slime seems to reflect a common perception in the ancient world that the slug was melting away as it moved along.

58:9 Thorns were often used as fuel to heat food in pots. Therefore, this implies the swiftness of God’s judgment (see notes at 37:10,36).

58:10 Seeing retribution and washing one’s feet in . . . blood (spilled blood or death) are parallel concepts. Though the second image is more vivid, the point is the same—the righteous will witness God’s judgment on these wicked rulers.

58:11 God’s judgment on the wicked will be a lesson for all people. The lessons are that the Lord is a God of justice, and he is not distant and removed but is involved in matters on earth (82:8; 94:2; Gn 18:25).